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MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 



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THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 

NEW YORK • BOSTON • CHICAGO • DALLAS 
ATLANTA • SAN FRANCISCO 

MACMILLAN & CO., Limited 

LONDON • BOMBAY • CALCUTTA 
MELBOURNE 

THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA. Ltd. 

TORONTO 



MASTER WILL OF 
STRATFORD 

A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM 

IN THREE ACTS 
WITH A PROLOGUE AND AN EPILOGUE 



BY 
LOUISE AYRES GARNETT 



THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 
1916 



All rights reserved 






Copyright, 1916, 

By LOUISE AYRES GARNETT 

Set up and electrotyped. Published February, 1916. 

Copyright in 

GREAT BRITAIN 



All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign languages, mcluding 
the Scandinavian. 

Acting and moving picture rights reserved. 

During 1916 — the year of the Shakespeare Tercentenary — public performances 
of the play may be given without the payment of any royalty, where no admission 
fee is charged. In all other cases, arrangements for securing the right to produce 
the play may be made by writing the author in care of the publishers. 

The songs required for the production of tlus play, and the instrumental music 
(except that for the morris-dance, concerning: which see Notes, post) are written by 
the author and published by 

CLAYTON F. SUMMY COMPANY, 

64 East Van Buren St., Chicago. 



The Compositions are as follows: 
A Wassail-Song 

Fairy-Go-Round 
(A Carousal) 

A May-Song 
Forest Gavotte 
Titania's Lullaby 



^ 



(Act I) 

r Pucks' dance (Act I) 
] Witch's dance (Act I) 
t Fairies' dance (Act III) 
(Act II) 
(Act III) 
(Act in) 



MAR -2 1916 
©ul.O 43194 

•7^ / . 



TO 

EUGENE H. GARNETT 

WHO HAS HELPED TO MAKE MY 

MIDWINTER NIGHT^S DREAM 

AND OTHER DREAMS 

COME TRUE 



MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 



CHARACTERS 

Will Shakespeare, nearly twelve years of age. 

Mistress John Shakespeare, his mother, 

Betsy, a neighbor , about twelve. 

The Wee Dickums, Betsys brother. 

Queen Elizabeth. 

Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote, 

A Pedlar, afterward Filch. 

Oberon, King of the Fairies, 

Titania, Queen of the Fairies, 

The Little Indian Boy. 

The Constable. 

Robin Goodfellow, leader of the Pucks, 

Cowslip 

Firefly 

Wasp 

Pepper-Corn ,; 

Chalice 

Cadence 

Dulcet 

Melody , 

The Witch of Wimble. 

Lady-in- Waiting to Queen Elizabeth, 

Four Minstrels. 

Friar Tuck, Robin Hood and other morris-dancers. 

Customers y bystanders and rustic singers, 

(See Notes, post, for description of morris-dance.) 



Oberon's Pucks, 



Titania^s Fairies, 



Scene: Stratford-on-Avon and neighborhood, 1575 A. D. 
Prologue 



Act I 



The Shakespeare Kitchen. 



in I 

Epilogue, The Kitchen. 



Act 11 I ^, ^ ^ ^ , Day-time. 

hThe Forest of Arden t.^. , ^ ^. 
Act III J Night-time. 



The Prologue opens New Year's Eve, and the Epilogue 
New Year's morning. Acts I, II, and III, represent the dream 
during that interval. 



PROLOGUE 

Scene: The Kitchen in John Shakespeare's house, 
Henley Street, Stratford-on-Avon, on New Yearns 
Eve, In center rear, a door. At right of door, an 
oblong small-paned window, its sill, about three feet 
from the floor, bearing a prim row of potted plants. 
Right wall, center, a large open fireplace in which 
is a black pot over a low fire, A high-backed settle is 
at right and left of fireplace, A seat extends beneath 
the window from the settle at right rear corner of 
room. The seat of settle at right of fireplace raises. 
At right of door a clock stands; at left of door, a 
table, A basket of apples is on the table and above 
are shelves holding copper utensils. At rear left, 
a large churn. At center left, a door. At center 
front, a small table covered with an unbleached linen 
strip and bearing a bowl of milk, a spoon, a plate 
of bread and a dish containing small cakes, A 
lighted candle is on this table and another on the 
table at rear. At right front is a table prepared for 
ironing, with a basket near containing dampened 
clothes. The ironed garments are on the settle at 
left of fireplace, A medium sized basket hangs on 
the wall, A few chairs complete the furnishings. 

Mistress Shakespeare is ironing. She listens, puts 
down her iron and going to the door looks anxiously 
without. She closes the door. The clock strikes 
seven. She glances at the clock, then goes to the 
window. Seeing someone approach, she opens the 



4 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

door and admits Betsy carrying her baby brother, 

DiCKUMS. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Bless my heart, if it isna Betsy and the wee Dick- 
ums! Come you in, Betsy girl. 

BETSY 
[With a curtsy.] 
Good den, missus. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

What brings the two of you out tonight, child? 
Dickums should have been tucked in this long while. 

BETSY 

It war lonesome enough sittin' in the dark to save 
candles, wi' naught but the two on us — an' him asleep; 
so I clapped a biggen on his head, and an old slop 
'round him, an' here we be! 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

[Resuming her ironing.] 
Are all your folk away? 

BETSY 

Ah-yea, missus. There be goin's-on at our cousin's 
this New Year's Eve. Dickums is such a wee dilling, 
an' me such a strappin' lass, I bide at home an' do the 
motherin' o' him. 



PROLOGUE 



MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 



And a good little mother you are, with ever a babe 
in your arms or one tagging at your heels. 

BETSY 

I've had little brothers an' sisters to give drinks to 
by night an' wallops to by day, ever sin' I war knee- 
high to a stagger-bob. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

You are a busy lass, Betsy. 

BETSY 

There be constant someone a-yelpin' for a tot o' 
milk or a shive o' summat, or bits an' bobs to do for 
mother. When I tell your Will, missus, how fore- 
wearied I get, he sez to me, ^^ Betsy," sez he, ^^ you 
shoodna forget to jog up your fancy. Fancy 'ud liven 
you prodigious," sez he. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

[Ceasing her ironing.] 

Yea — that is like my laddie. [Resumes ironing] I 
canna tell what is keeping him so late. He should 
have been back by six o' the clock. 

BETSY 

Mayhap he went by Charlecote way. They do be 
a-sayin' the Queen is mekin' a day's visit to Sir Thomas 
and Lady Lucy. Her hankers arter a morsel o' quiet 
now an' then. 



6 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

But Willie isna one for dalliance and making his 
mother longful for him. Sit you up by the fire, Betsy, 
and have an apple. 

BETSY 

I maut take a dab for Dickums. 
[Mistress Shakespeare passes the basket of apples to Betsy.] 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Here are some scrumps and apple-johns, and one 
or two leather-coats and sourings. Help yourself right 
freely, lassie. 

[Betsy takes a couple of apples eagerly, \ 

BETSY 

An' I do be thinkin', missus, as how Dickums maut 
relish a pikelet. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Marry, to be sure. Have some cakes, and welcome. 

Betsy 

[Eating heartily.] 

Dickums yent a scraily babe, full o' doctor's stuff. 

A dab or a dollop's all the same to Dickums. The 

wee lamb's a-sleepin' so I maut as well eat the apples 

an' pikelets mesel' — ^we shoodna be wasteful. 

{She puts him on the settle beside her. There is a knock,] 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Who comes knocking, I wonder? I hope it is no fell 



PROLOGUE 7 

news about my laddie. [She opens the door and speaks 
in amazement] Sir Thomas Lucy! [She curtsies with 
dignity] Your pardon, Sir Thomas, come you in. 

SIR THOMAS 
[Entering.] 
Where is John Shakespeare? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

He and some other o' the burgesses, sir, have gone 
to Coventry. 

[Sir Thomas taps the floor impatiently,] 

SIR THOMAS 

Beshrew me! that is vexing. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Mayhap I can serve you, sir. 

SIR THOMAS 

Yea, you can — by keeping your slacken-twist of a 
son at home! 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

A slacken-twist? My laddie? 

SIR THOMAS 

Yea, your laddie — the one they call Will. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

What harm do you seek to fasten on him, sir? 



8 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

SIR THOMAS 

He has been snaring pheasants in my park — caught 
in the act with a bird in his arms. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

My boy has great love for creatures and gets to- 
gether the maimed and aihng that he may nurse them 
till they be sound again. 

SIR THOMAS 

No doubt he snares that he may cure. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

You have a bitter tone, Sir Thomas, and my lad is a 
good lad. 

SIR THOMAS 

Good lad, or bad lad, keep him away from Charle- 
cote. I was passing your house and have troubled 
myself to give you warning. If your young giddy- 
pate so much as take a pace on my land, or look at 
one of my pheasants, he shall be punished soundly. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

He were a poor spirited lad if he so much as went 
within breathing-space o' your grounds. My heart is 
built in the shape of a W. I believe in my Will. 

SIR THOMAS 

Believe, an it suit you, but mark what I say, and 
your bold bantling as well: if ever he cross my path to 



PROLOGUE 9 

give me oflfense, be it tomorrow or a score of years 
hence, I shall deal him a double dose for good measure. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

You are a liberal apothecary when it comes to dou- 
ble doses. Good e'en to you. 

SIR THOMAS 

Woman, — 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Your pardon, sir, I have a rare fondness for the last 
word, and my tongue hangs like a clapper in the middle 
o' my mouth. 

SIR THOMAS 

I tell you — 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Good e'en to you, sir. Can you find your way out? 
[She holds open the door and Sir Thomas scowls as he goes toward 

it.] 

SIR THOMAS 
I have this to say — 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Be careful o' the step. That's right. [Sir Thomas 
disappears and she opens the door still wider] Whew! 
Condemn me for a chatterpie if I do not have to air 
the place of the man's spirit. There's fell need for the 
perfumer. 



lO MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

BETSY 

[Who has been all eyes for Sir Thomas and teeth for her dainties.] 

Yond be a brawlin', naggin' pickthanks, forever 
gettin' things all of a pother. [Crooking her fingers.] 
Wotna I like to set my ten commandments in his face? 
These apples and pikelets do be fine and toothsome, 
missus. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Help yourseK, lassie. 

BETSY 

I maut be takin' a bittock, leastways a spot o' 
pikelet for Dickums. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

What can be keeping my laddie? 

[A figure runs past the window and through the open door. It is 
the young Shakespeare, She throws her arms about him,] 

Will! 

WILL 

Yes, Mother, here am I, late o' the clock but early 
o' my desire. 

[He places his cloak, which he has carried bundle-wise, on the 

settle.] 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 
[Closing the door.] 
What mean you, laddie? 



PROLOGUE II 



WILL 



My desire bade me stay till I could turn tailor and 
take fresh measure of a man and, having measured 
him, make new garments to fit him. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Ay, lad, I catch your meaning. 

WILL 

Good even, Betsy. 

BETSY 

Good den. Will. 

WILL 

The man whose measure I would take would find 
himself wearing, 'stead o' trunks large enough for 
Hercules, pinnies to fit Betsy's Dickums. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I ken the man. 

WILL 

Yes, Mother. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

He was here and mortal inflamed against you, 
laddie. 

WILL 

Did he call me poacher? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Ay, that he did. 



12 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

WILL 
And you — what said you, Mother? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I said my lad wouldna poach and Willie, an I saw 
you do it with my own eyes, I wouldna beUeve it. 

WILL 

I must tell you what befell your scapegrace son. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Eat your bit of supper at the same time, laddie, and 
I'll finish some lated ironing. I canna rest till my 
work is done, even if it does make me iron of a New 
Year's Eve. And on the morrow I shall start the first 
day of the year in right proper fashion, by churning. 

[She has been getting ready to iron and Will has seated himself.] 

WILL 

I meant to come straight home after I left Charle- 
cote. I started by way of Tiddington Road and 
got as far as the bridge, but was so brimmed with 
heated thoughts I crossed the Meadows and went up 
by the Brake to Luddington. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

And did the walk cool your hot thoughts? 

WILL 

Ay, when I came back as far as the footbridge by the 



PROLOGUE 13 

Mill and saw Trinity spire against the sky like an arch- 
angeFs finger, I felt cool and soft in my thoughts and 
ready to come home to you. 



MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

The home nest's the place for bruised wings. But 
tell us o' the happenings at Charlecote. 



WILL 

I had heard it said the Queen and her ladies had 
come for a peaceful New Year's even, and had ridden 
forth for an airing. You know how I reHshed the 
sight of our Queen at Kenilworth last July, so I 
wandered up Charlecote way, hoping for a glimpse 
of her. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

None could blame you for that. 

BETSY 

I war a-motherin' Dickums or I maut 'a gone. 

WILL 

Whilst I dallied, pretending the hedge was white 
with bloom instead of snow, a pheasant half hopped, 
half flew into the path before me, one wing broken 
and hanging pitifully. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

The poor creature! 



14 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

BETSY 

They say pheasants do be mortal fine eatin'. 

WILL 

I reached for the bird to ease its sufferings; but, 
thinking I meant mischief, it led me a spanking chase. 
Before I was aware, we were in the Charlecote grounds 
and I had just seized the bird when the keeper clapped 
his hand on my shoulder. 

BETSY 

My faith! these be some doin's. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

What did he to you, laddie? 

WILL 

He believed not a word of my story and hauled me, 
pheasant and all, to the high road. We had no more 
than gained it before who should come riding up but — 

BETSY 

The Queen! Lawk-a-dingin's, the Queen herselM 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Sir Thomas Lucy! 

WILL 

Ay, both, and a small party of ladies and gentlemen. 
They drew rein and Sir Thomas inquired what the 
pother was about. 



PROLOGUE 15 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

My poor lad! 

WILL 

He has but a handful of pheasants and sets such 
store by them he was stirred to a rage at the keeper's 
tale. The keeper thrust his hand into my doublet and 
drew out a cord. Then of a certainty they beUeved I 
had been snaring. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

How came you by the cord? 

WILL 

I had it for top-spinning. 

BETSY 

Whut did they to you? An' whut did you to they? 

WILL 

When I saw they had writ poacher over me in tall 
letters I asked justice of the Queen. 

BETSY 

God mend me! Spoke ye to the Queen? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

What said you, lad? 



l6 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

WILL 

[Laughing.] 

'Twas as good as the play. I said: "Your Majesty, 
were I poacher and you near 'tis not pheasants I 
should pilfer/' "And why so, youngling?" "Marry, 
I should try to poach a hare and not a pheasant." 
"Why a hare?" asked the Queen. "I should try to 
poach a hair from your Majesty's golden fleece," 
quoth I. "Oho, my March-chick, you are a Jason 
indeed!" she said, and fell to laughing. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

My boy! how could you — to the Queen! 

WILL 

A queen at best is but flesh and blood, and wit may 
be royal wherever 'tis found. 

BETSY 

On, on, Will! whut more did ye? 

WILL 

Well, the upshot was she asked Sir Thomas to 
forgive this offense and let me have the bird to coax 
back to strength. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Said she those words: forgive this ofense? 

WILL 

Oh, Mother, there's the rub ! She gave me my re- 



PROLOGUE 17 

lease yet believes me guilty. Were she the Queen I 
held her she would have known I spoke true. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Ay, Willie. 

BETSY 

Whut 'came o' the bird? 

WILL 

'Tis here. 

[He goes to the settle and opens his cloak, displaying the pheasant,] 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Put the poor thing in this. 

[She hands him the basket from the wall. Will puts the pheasant 
in the basket and places it on the hearth,] 

BETSY 

It war a fearsome adventure. It mun be grand to 
go adventurin'. Things be mortal dull most whiles. 

WILL 

What have I told you, Betsy? Rouse your fancy 
and adventures will hap as thick as bees around the 
honey-pot. 

BETSY 

I caunt see whut use fancy be to a body. 

WILL 

It makes you see stories in men's eyes. 



l8 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

BETSY 

That's brave to say, but whut 'ud a body's fancy do 
for a dilling like Dickums? 

WILL 

An you tire thinking on him as a babe, think on him 
as a man. 

BETSY 

A man! Dickums! That'd take more nor fancy — 
that'd take a prophet. 

WILL 

Not a prophet but a play-actor. Truly the least 
has his part to play. Dickums is a mewling babe in 
your arms, yet will he one day start for school, filling 
himself with Latin roots heavy for his digestion. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Then, ere you know, will he be courting the lasses 
and, though their locks be coarse and straight as old 
Roan's tail, making rhymed nonsense to their silken 
tresses. 

WILL 

Next will he be man, slaying and slashing with 
reckless blade. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Yea — and so will he act his part, on through middle 
age, and old age, and the old-old age that joins itself 
to babyhood. 



PROLOGUE 19 



WILL 



That makes a circle o' life — a huge teething-ring on 
which men cut their wisdom. Ay, Betsy, your baby 
brother is become the hero of a tale. 



BETSY 



My wee lamb? Ho, lamb! 66t like to be the hero 
of a tale? 



WILL 

Mock me not, Betsy. I shall be a weaver one o' 
these days and make whatsoever pattern I choose. 
I could make you into a merry shepherdess, or I could 
even make you into a princess, — an I would. 

BETSY 

Princess! me! 

WILL 

Ay, you. Mayhap I shall. 

BETSY 

I wotna care whut you made o' me. Will, so I be 
lass wi' time now an' then for play. 

{There is a rap on the window-pane. The face of a pedlar ap- 

pears,] 

WILL 

'Tis the pedlar I saw on Clopton Bridge, — dumb as 
a fish in speech and wits, poor fellow. 



20 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

He canna talk, say you? Bid him come in. 

WILL 

[Opening the door.] 

Come you in and get a taste o' the fire. 

[The pedlar enters with his tray of trifles and goes to the hearth. 
He is brute-like in his stolidity,] 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Sit you down, good man. [He shakes his head.] 
Well, if you canna, let us see if youVe aught we would 
buy. [She and Will look at the tray] I'd like to get 
a bit o' something for your father, laddie. 

WILL 

There seems naught for men but masks, and father's 
face is too good to cover. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I'll get him a kerchief. That's rare enough to be a 
treat. How much. Pedlar? 

[He makes signs with his fingers,] 
WILL 

Here is a string o' blue beads — a young maid's 
rosary. Put it 'round your neck, Betsy. [To his 
mother] I'll buy it out of the New Year's coin 
father gave me. 

[Pedlar again tells the price by signs.] 



PROLOGUE 21 

BETSY 

For me? O Will! Thanky! I be mortal glad you 
dinna get me needles, or aught that's useful. An' 
I be glad too, I 'aven't a Adam's apple, or it wotna fit. 
Doant I look brave? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

That you do. I'll get the money for you, Pedlar. 

[Exit Mistress Shakespeare door, left. Will goes toward 
rear to count out the pedlar^ s pay. Betsy is engaged with 
her new treasure. The pedlar empties the remainder of the 
apples and cakes into a hag at his side. Enter Mistress 
Shakespeare.] 

mistress SHAKESPEARE 

[As she and Will pay the pedlar.] 

Eat some cakes afore you go out into the night. 
[Sees the empty dish] What's happed to the cakes? 
They were in the dish but a moment since! There 
may be more. 

[Goes to table at rear. Will stirs the fire. The pedlar , fearing 
detection, empties the cakes hack into the dish. Will turns.] 

WILL 

Mother, the cakes have leaped into the dish. They 
must be full o' yeast to rise and fall so lightly. [Smil- 
ing] Help yourself. Pedlar. As to apples, I'd offer 
you some but more might give you a touch o' the 
colic. 

[Pedlar goes to the door.] 



22 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Come you again, Master Pedlar. 

[He nods sullenly. Exit Pedlar.] 

BETSY 

There be a man you couldna find any stories in. 
He be cold an' muddy as a eel. 

WILL 

O Betsy! will you never see? I could light his eyes, 
loose his tongue — yea, wake him from the dead. 'Tis 
the miracle that tugs at me night and day. 

BETSY 

I'd see if I could. Will. Anjrvvays I know beads 
when I see 'em. We mun go now. Dickums relished 
the pikelets an' apples right well, an' me too, missus. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Wrap you up, lassie. 

BETSY 

My beads'll keep me warm. 

WILL 

I'll see you home. 

BETSY 

Nay, Will. I be goin' to stop at the Pringles 'round 
the corner. God buy ye. 



PROLOGUE 23 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Come again, Betsy girl, you and your Dickums. 

[Exeunt Betsy and Dickums. Mistress Shakespeare and 
Will put away the ironing and carry the two tables from the 
front to the rear, left.] 

WILL 

Mother, instead of goirtg a-merry-making tonight 
with the lads, I would ask something else of you. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Speak out, laddie. When have I found it in my 
heart to deny you aught I could grant? 

WILL 

Let me for this night stay up as long as I would. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

And not go out with the lads on New Year's Eve? 
Marry come up! 'tis a right droll wish. 

WILL 

You know my Christmas book that Sir Thomas 
gave me at Grammar School. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Thomas Hunt, God speed him! — not Thomas Lucy. 

WILL 

Methinks Hunt is short for goodness and Lucy 



24 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD^ 

short for Lucifer. Besides, Thomas Hunt doth spell 
Thomas with one S and Thomas Lucy perforce must 
use two! 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Fie, lad ! see that your wrongs make not your tongue 
over sharp. But what o' the book your master gave 
you? 

WILL 

I would sit up this night, burn as many candles as I 
choose, and read to my soul's contentment. 



MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I see no reason why you shouldna. Your father is 
away, Gilbert and Joan are at our cousin's till the 
morrow, and the wee Anna and Richard sound asleep 
this long while. Stay you up, an you wish. Help me 
with the churn, laddie. [They bring it forward and 
place it at center , left] Now is it ready for the morrow. 
'Tis fine sport coaxing cream to change itself to butter. 

WILL 

[Peeping inside the churn] 

'Twould be a bonnie hiding place for merry-minded 
gobHns ! Oh, Mother, I shall have a brave evening with 
the fairies. Ovid has made me friends with Titania, 
and the book I would read is full o' the doings o' the 
magic people. There is a king called Oberon and 
tonight all of us will gallop away on a slant o' silvery 
moonshine. 



PROLOGUE 25 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Bless you, my lad. Would I could join you in your 
fairy caperings. 

WILL 

See the kettle! 'Tis a cauldron to breed witches 
and their tailless kind. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Your mind is a busy cauldron but it breeds more 
than witches. 

WILL 

[Going to the window,] 

We shall have a moon tonight. There is something 
about moonlight that searches out every nook and 
corner of me and drenches me with music. Some 
day — oh, Mother, I have a desire so tall that it tucks 
its head into the very lap of heaven. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I know it, laddie. You are all a-shimmer with 
lovely fancies. God shield you, my dearest. 

[She kisses Will and leaves through door, left. Will takes the 
hook out of his doublet and with a sigh of joyousness throws 
himself before the fire, a candle near his open page,] 



End of Prologue 



ACT I 

The curtain reascends immediately on a darkened stage. 
Rustics are heard singing in the distance, their 
song growing clearer as they pass the Shakespeare 
home, and again becoming fainter as they move on, 
A half-moon rises and shines through the window, 

RUSTICS 

[Singing] 

Here we come on New Year's Day 
A-singing, a-singing, 
Hearts and songs and steeple-bells 
A-ringing, a-ringing. 
Come ye out and fill ye up, 
Take a whiff and drink a sup — 
'Tis the steaming wassail cup 
We're bringing, we're bringing. 

We would give to each of you 

A warning, a warning: 

Let no spirit go today 

Forlorning, forlorning. 

Thank your God for what you've got, 

Thank your God for what you've not, 

Thank Him for the wassail pot 

On New Year's in the morning. 

{The clock strikes twelve. The chimes of Stratford ring out. 
Tiny lights flash, coming from Firefly hiding near the fire- 

26 



ACT I 27 

place, Cowslip under the table, Wasp behind the churn, and 
Pepper-Corn in the shadow oj a chair. The lid of the 
settle is raised and a fifth light appears,] 

ROBIN 

\Within the settle,] 

Whist! 

[In a twinkling he and his Pucks fly out of hiding, Robin, 
standing in the path of the moon's rays, holds aloft his spark 
of light:] 

Shine, ye servitors of light! 
Drive away the bat of night. 

[The gloom lifts and they join hands and caper in a dance, with 
leap-frog pranks and elfin riot,] 

ROBIN 

Attention, sprites! 

[The Pucks line up,] 

PUCKS 

Ready! 

robin 
There is heavy business on foot. 

PUCKS 

[Hopping, each with hand on foot.] 
Ouch! 

robin 
What ails you? 



28 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

COWSLIP 

Please, Robin, as you said there is heavy business on 
foot, my toes did hurt as if a cask had rolled upon 
them. 

WASP 

My toes ache not, but my instep feels as 'twere on 
fire. 

riREFLY 

'Tis not my toes nor my instep, oh Robin-come- 
bobbin', 'tis my heel. I vow 'tis rosy with pain. 

PEPPER-CORN 

You are lucky 'tis but your instep, toe and heel. I 
have a monstrous prickUng from ankle to thigh bone. 

My toes! 

My instep! 

My heel! 

My ankle and thigh bone ! 



PUCKS [in rapid 
sticcession.] 



ROBIN 

[Disdainftdly.] 

An you had your deserts your merrybones would 
be snapped like that! Let me know when you are 
ready to hearken to reason. 

PUCKS 
[Lining up sedately,] 
We are ready. 



ACT I 29 

ROBIN 

I am come on a quest for Oberon. Our King and 
Queen have had a monstrous falling out. 

COWSLIP 

Already have the winds blown the rumor to our 
ears. 

[The Pucks shake their heads gravely,] 

WASP 

Has it not to do with a babe? 

FIREFLY 

A little Indian boy? 

ROBIN 

Yea; the son of Titania's friend who dwelt in 
the land of lotus blossoms and savory sandalwood. 
When she, being mortal, died, Titania brought home 
the babe. 

PEPPER-CORN 

'Tis said he is bronze of color. 

COWSLIP 

And that our Queen dotes on him. 

ROBIN 

Oberon wishes the changeling for his own — to be 
reared as his henchman. The Queen refuses to yield 
him the child, which doth set the King at loggerheads 
with her. 



30 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

PEPPER-CORN 

Marry come up! 'tis a pretty pother. 

FIREFLY 

What have you to do with their tempest, Robin? 

ROBIN 

I am to get the babe and give him into Oberon's 
keeping. 

PUCKS 

How? 

ROBIN 

The Witch of Wimble is to place him in my hands. 

WASP 

The Witch of Wimble is a brewer of mischief. 

COWSLIP 

And likes to stick her long gaunt finger into other 
people's pies. 

PEPPER-CORN 

She drives a hard bargain. 

FIREFLY 

How came she to do aught for you? 

ROBIN 

Beshrew me, if I be not a wondrous sharp fellow! 



ACT I 31 

I am to give the Wimble Witch a paring from the 
Duchess of Bannister's finger nail in exchange for the 
Indian boy. 'Tis the hour for the signal. 

[He goes to the fireplace and raps on the pot three times,] 

Wimble Witch, 
Swim the ditch ! 
Wade the mire! 
Brave the fire! 
Break the bars! 
Leap the stars! 
Which and whither, 
Blood and blither, 
What I wait for 
Bring me hither! 

[There is a puff of red smoke and the Wimble Witch emerges, 
a baby hanging over her shoulder. She wears a scraggly 
beard and has a long right forefinger.] 



WITCH 

Hoot! hoot! thou owl of night. 

[Sound of winds.] 

Dim the moon in thy flight. 

[The light lowers.] 

Bah! I like not such giddy brightness. Well, well, 
Robin Goodfellow! have you brought me the paring? 

ROBIN 

Ay, Goody. 

WITCH 

Give it hither. 



32 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

ROBIN 
Give me first the babe. 

WITCH 

Not till I lay hands on your paring. 

ROBIN 

I must have the babe before I give it you. 

WITCH 

Two rogues drive a slow bargain. 

ROBIN 

Speak for yourself, an you will, but I am no rogue. 
My name belies it — Goodfellow. 

WITCH 

Ay, but what o' your name Robin? Is not he that's 
robbin' a robber? 

COWSLIP 

Give me the babe, Goody, and, Robin, give you the 
paring to Firefly. When I say the word, we shall see 
that each gets his own. 

ROBIN 

Are you of a mind to it? 

WITCH 

Yea, 'twere best. 

[She tosses the baby to Cowslip and Robin gives the paring to 

Firefly.] 



ACT I 33 

COWSLIP 

Humblety, bumblety, huggermaree, 
Tickety, clockety, one, two, three. 

[Robin joyously receives the baby^ handling it awkwardly , and 
the Witch clutches the paring,] 

WITCH 

At last! Now will the upstart Duchess do my 
bidding. 

ROBIN 

What's to do with 'em? 

WITCH 

With what? 

ROBIN 

Babes. 

PUCKS 

Yea, what's to do with 'em? 

WITCH 

Milk! Milk! Milk! Plenty o' milk! Fill 'em full o' 
milk. But mind your own brat. I have my precious 
paring. 

[The Witch dances, then disappears within the fireplace,] 
ROBIN 

Good riddance! Let us see our noses; this witch- 
light pleases not my fancy. 



34 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

Shine, ye servitors of light! 
Drive away the bat of night. 

[The room lightens. The baby cries,] 

Deuce take it! 'tis a nuisance. 

FIREFLY 

Milk! plenty o' milk! 

WASP 

The Wimble Witch said so! 

PEPPER-CORN 

Ay, but Where's it to be found? 

COWSLIP 

The churn! 

ROBIN 

Marry, you are right. [He tosses the crying baby into 
the churn^ upright. There is a lusty yell,] Verily, 'tis 
a milk-curdhng sound! [Another cry, then silence,] 
Yea, drink your fill, inchling! Lap up the cream with 
your Uttle pink tongue. Who says it is difficult to 
care for babes? Mayhap bronze-face will now turn 
whey-face. 

COWSLIP 

Hist! a step. 

[They disappear within their former retreats. There is a knock. 
Enter Will, left, dressed as in the Prologue, He goes to 
door, rear, and opens it. The threshold is empty for a mo- 
ment until Betsy, in the costume of a picture-book shepherd- 
ess, jumps out of hiding.] 



ACT I 35 

BETSY 

[Suddenly y as she comes into view.] 
Boo! 

[She enters smiling.] 

WILL 

'Tis plain to see, Betsy, you are not too timid to say 
Boo ! to a goose. 

BETSY 

It is not geese I fear — 'tis wolves. But my flock is 
safe sheltered, even to the blackest sheep o' them all. 

WILL 

Had I your crook, faith, I'd use it to drive into the 
fold the solemn-souled folk o' Stratford. 

BETSY 

They who count it a sin to smile — like Sullen Jim, 
the tinker. 

WILL 

Ay, his face is so long his chin is red and calloused 
where he hath tripped on it. But smile or scowl, 'tis a 
work-a-day world and I must try my hand at churn- 
ing — yet who would say that changing rivers o' cream 
into mountains o' butter be not magic? [He tries to 
work the dasher.] What ails it? 

BETSY 

Here! get you aside. 'Tis a maid's work, not a 
man's. 

[The dasher will not work, and try as she will, Betsy cannot 

churn.] 



36 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

A plague on the thing! 'Tis bootless churning. 
[There is a loud waiL] It seems to come from here. 

[Points in alarm at the churn.] 
WILL 

I'll look within. 

BETSY 

Are you not fearful? 

WILL 

'Tis a maid's part to churn; a man's not to be afraid. 
{Goes to the churn and pulls out the hahy.\ 

BETSY 

A babe! 

WILL 

Faith, a very milksop! 
[Robin and the Pucks leap out and circle around the children,] 

WILL 

[Good humoredly.] 

You are bedlam let loose! Cease your hubbub and 
tell us who you are. 

Robin Goodfellow. ' 

Cowslip. 

Firefly. 

Wasp. 

Pepper-corn. 



ROBIN and the pucks [in rapid 
succession, bowing.] 



ACT I 37 

WILL 

Well met, good people. [Robin stands on his head] 
You silly goblin — standing on your north when you 
should be walking on your south ! Pray tell us how a 
babe and butter got so strangely mixed. 

ROBIN 

{Scrambling to his feet and seizing the hahy] 
He is my charge. 

BETSY 

For shame! handling him like a meal sack. You are 
as clumsy as if you came from Bergamo. [She stamps 
her foot] Give him to me, you saucy manikin. [She 
takes the baby and ctcddles him] My poor lamb! my 
wee nestling! 

WILL 

How came you by the babe? 

ROBIN 

I am its guardian. The Wimble Witch seized him 
from Titania and placed him in my hands. I am to 
give him into the keeping of Oberon who fancies him 
for his own. 

BETSY 

Is not Titania his mother? 

ROBIN 

His foster-mother. 



38 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 



BETSY 



Then why does she yield him, even to Oberon, her 
lord? 



ROBIN 



Pouf ! She has naught to say about it. The Witch 
and I saw to that. 

[The Pucks play leap-frog and cut up antics.] 



WILL 

[Aside to Betsy.] 
That wight has stolen the babe. 

BETSY 

Poor Titania! 

WILL 

Let us restore the boy to her. 

BETSY 

A right sound thought. We'll do it. But how get 
away? 

WILL 

Send Robin and his crew on an errand. Ho, Robin! 
ho, Pucks! 

ROBIN and the pucks 
Ay, ay, sir. 

WILL 

How do you expect this babe to drink milk and get 



ACT I 39 

his rightful nourishment unless he take it from a 
bottle? 

ROBIN 
[Scratching his head,] 
Do babes take milk out o' bottles? 

BETSY 

Of course, addlepate. 

WILL 

A fine guardian you, to give milk to your babe by 
throwing him into a churn! 

ROBIN 

It has a foolish sound. Marry, sir, what mortal 
fools we fairies be! 

WILL 

Hie you hence and bring back a nursing bottle, and 
let not Time, the old nag, go limping with you. Ride 
him hard and dig in the spurs. 

ROBIN 

Up, boys, away! But where, good sir, may the 
magic bottles be found? 

WILL 

At the apothecary's, slim- wit! 

COWSLIP 

His shop is but two hoots and a hurdle from the 
Golden Lion. 



40 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

ROBIN 
Forward. 

[Exeunt Pucks.] 

WILL 

Now must we ride Time harder than I did counsel 
Robin. 

BETSY 

Whither? 

WILL 

West to Sanctus, thence south to the Brake. 

BETSY 

Ay, a Fairy Queen should not be far from the 
Brake. 

WILL 

Should I not have a staff, or wherewithal to protect 
you and the babe? 

BETSY 

That you should, Will. 

WILL 

I would I had a sword. I know! — the huge knife 
with which mother cuts the loaf. 

[Runs to table and gives a cry,] 
BETSY 



What is it, Will? 



ACT I 41 

WILL 

Behold the changeling! The bread knife has 
turned sword. [He displays the sword, then proudly 
claps it to his side. He feels his chin] Had I but a 
beard! But come! lean seconds make fat minutes. 

[Exeunt Will, Betsy and the Indian boy, leaving the door open. 
There is a puff of red smoke in the fireplace and the Witch 
comes forth.] 

WITCH 

West to Sanctus, thence south to the Brake. Ha! 
'tis time the Wimble Witch stirred puddings with her 
finger. [Stirs with her forefinger] I'll have my way 
in this or may I lose my bonnie beard. [Rush of 
winds] Ay, there be forces still at work for the 
Witch of Wimble. 

[Exit Witch through fireplace] 

FILCH 

[The Pedlar, of stage] 

Come buy of Filch, 
Come buy of Filch, 
Come buy of Filch, the Pedlar. 

[He appears in the open doorway, the dumb and stolid pedlar of 
the Prologue awakened to a rollicking alertness. A large, 
open sack is strapped to his shoulder. He looks around the 
room with a merry glance, goes to the table, left, slyly takes 
up a candlestick, starts to put it into his sack, then with a 
shrug replaces it on the table. He goes of calling lustily.] 

Come buy of Filch, 
Come buy of Filch, 



42 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

Come buy of Filch, the Pedlar. 

He'll drain your cup, 

And snap you up, 

And prove a merry meddler. 

[There is a jar-of tinkling of hells. It grows nearer, Titania 
and her train enter eagerly and peer in and out of corners.] 

TITANIA 

Chalice! Cadence! Dulcet! Melody! He is not 
here — of a truth he is not here! 

CHALICE 

Are you sure the Bullfinch sent you hither? 

TITANIA 

Yea, Chalice, he said here, in this very room. And 
not alone the Bullfinch saw Robin with the babe, but 
the Horned Owl who Uves in the Brake. They peeped 
through the window. 

MELODY 

May Melody turn Discord if Robin be not made to 
smart for crossing you. 

CADENCE 

And such a darhng babe, with his pretty bronze 
skin and his big brown eyes! 

TITANIA 

1 think — ^yea, I am certain — ^my heart is breaking. 



Heart! 



ACT I 43 

FAIRIES 
TITANIA 

Said I heart? Well, verily, by the threefold Diana, 
I believe I am growing one. 

CHALICE 

Why think you that? 

TITANIA 

[Folding her hands over her heart,] 
I have a sad feeling here. 

MELODY 

'Tis a sorry business. 

TITANIA 

[Reaching out her hands on both sides,] 

And as if the world were a vastly bigger place than 
it is, and I were lost in it. 

DULCET 

I've never felt like that — have you, Cadence? 

CADENCE 

Nay, I have never felt sad or lost. 

TITANIA 

0, Dulcet, mine eyes! 



44 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

DULCET 

Your eyes, sweet mistress? 

TITANIA 

Something like dew escapeth them. 

DULCET 
[Drying them with a bit of her frock.] 
I've not seen the like before. 

CHALICE 

You forget. When the little gooseherd was for- 
saken by her lover, do you not remember how dew 
ran down her cheeks? 

DULCET 

And sparkled in the moonlight? 

TITANIA 

I remember. 'Twas said those were tears. 

CADENCE 

Then that dew — oh, that dew from your eyes is — 

TITANIA 

Tears. These must be tears. Now do I know I am 
growing a heart. 

MELODY 

What can a fairy do with a heart? 



ACT I 45 

TITANIA 

'Twould be monstrous useful with a babe. 
[Enter Robin and his fellows lugging a large stone jug.] 

ROBIN 

Here is the nursing bottle. Filch, the Pedlar, from 
whom I bought it, says 'tis the only one in town. 

TITANIA 

Robin! 

[Robin and the Pucks bow and scrape*] 

ROBIN 

Celestial Titania — 

TITANIA 

Where is my babe? 



ROBIN 

Is he not here? Then that's what I would know, — 
where is he? 

TITANIA 

Know you not, of a truth? 

ROBIN 

Nay, he was here when I started for the bottle. 
Do I speak true? 

PUCKS 

He speaks true. 



46 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

ROBIN 

Mayhap he is in the churn. [Looks within] Butter ! 
'Tis full of butter! The babe hath churned it by his 
frisky gamboUngs. 

TITANIA 

What shall we do? O Robin! I could find it in this 
new heart to forgive you, would you do your best to 
find him. I would rather Oberon had him than he 
should be lost. 



'Tis a big world. 
For a new babe. 

Ay, to be lost in. 



ROBIN 



CADENCE 



CHALICE 



ROBIN 

We will seek him high and low — will we not, lads? 

PUCKS 

Ay, ay, sir! 

TITANIA 

And we will search the green earth till we wear it 
brown with our footfalls ere we forsake our quest — 
is it not so. Fairies? 

FAIRIES 

As true as true. 



ACT I 47 

ROBIN 

Which way shall we go? 

TITANIA 

I have a fancy to seek him in the Brake. Let us 
first to the south, then west to the Brake. 

WITCH 

[Appearing in a puff of red smoke from the fireplace.] 

Nay, you are wrong. I would do you a service. 
The lad, Will, and the wench have taken the babe and 
plan to sell him to a childless prince. 

TITANIA 

Tailless rat! How dare I beheve you? 

WITCH 

By my bonnie beard, I speak true. 

TITANIA 

Then which way went they? 

WITCH 

I heard them say, '^ First east, then north." 

TITANIA 

My thanks, dame. Fairies, hence! 

ROBIN 

Forward, lads! 



48 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

TITANIA 

[-4^ her Fairies and the Pucks stream out into the night.] 

Haste! ye eager, twinkling feet. 
Be ye valiant, be ye fleet; 
Be ye harbingers of joy; 
Bring ye tokens of my boy. 

[Exit TiTANIA.] 
WITCH 

Hoot! hoot! thou owl of night. 

[Sound of winds.] 

Dim the moon in thy flight. 

[The light lessens.] 

Ay, silly-pates, look your fill. Who says this finger 
has not the gift of stirring other people's puddings? 
Stir and linger, stir and Hnger, 
Poke and pry, thou busy finger. 

[The cock crows. The Witch rushes to the fireplace. There is a 
puf of red smoke and she disappears. The cock crows again.] 



ACT II 

Scene: A clearing in the Forest of Arden. It is the 
afternoon of May-day. A grassy knoll is near the 
right front. Trees and hushes circle the clearing. 
Country folk move back and forth, bubbling with 
pleasure in the day and scene. 

Filch has a tray suspended from his neck on which are 
masks, trinkets, ballads rolled and tied with ribbons, 
and an open sack, as in Act I. From time to time 
he deftly removes a purse or trifle from one of the 
crowd. He is industriously hawking his wares. 

FILCH 

Come ye one and come ye many, 
Bits and bobs for half a penny, 
And if you would spend a shilling 
Take my trayful, an you're willing. 
Fortunes by the hour I'll tell you, 
Ballads by the yard I'll sell you. 
Any tidbit you are wishing 
Name, that I may do the dishing. 
Come you sweet, and pay so little 
'Twill be but a fairy's tittle. 
Come you sour and full o' trouble 
Filch will joy to charge you double. 

LASS 

Please, Master Filch, read my fortune. 

49 



50 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

FILCH 

Your fortune is plain in your face — and yet, God 
wot, 'tis not a plain face. 

LASS 

What read ye there? 

FILCH 

A marvel of nature: that cherries and tulips are one 
and the same, and being plucked should bring a high 
market price. 

[There is a laugh and the lass is discomfited,] 

LASS 
You'll get na pay for that! 

FILCH 

I had hopes that in payment you would shake down 
just one cherry for me. 

[The crowd guffaws, A second lass puts forth her hand,] 
SECOND LASS 

Prithee, look at that. Master Pedlar. 

FILCH 

A smooth dial; a white dial. You would know what 
o'clock by it? It says your sun is well up in the heav- 
ens and has cast no shadows for you. 

SECOND LASS 

But, good Master Pedlar, donna you see any — 
lads? 



ACT II 51 

FILCH 



Lads? Nay. 



SECOND LASS 
[Pouting,] 

I donna believe you. 

FILCH 

Lads, nay, but lad — yea ! There is one lad so much 
at home he has driven off all t'others. He looks as if 
he were come to stay. 

BUMPKIN 

[Elbowing up and taking the lass by the arm.] 

May I eat naught but dunch-dumplings, Pedlar, if 
'tisna true. Gi' me a smudge, lass, an' say the word. 

[She runs into the crowd, he pursuing.] 

FILCH 

[Holding up a small bottle.] 

Here be May-day dew that I bottled at dawn. 
'Twill make the complexion as clear as the bells o' 
Trinity steeple. Only a few bottles left. [A side ^ with 
a wink.] Dipped fresh from the Avon, within the 
hour! 

[A bumpkin enters on a run, chased by two or three laughing lasses. 
He wears a deviVs mask, with horns, and ducks in and out 
of the crowd until captured. They lead him forward.] 

ONE OF THE LASSES 

Master Pedlar, the Old Harry's horns be horns o' 



52 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

plenty and he wishes to pour some o' your baubles on 
us. 

FILCH 

Good devil! Generous devil! They will make o' 
you afore long a smug, respectable devil. [The girls 
busily select their gewgaws from Filch's tray] Here 
be straws, oaten straws — the very straws themselves — 
with which Cupid — the sly-boots! — tickled the chin of 
his lady love. Come, worthies, and buy. [Aside,] 
Fresh from Farmer Goodman's haystack! 

YOUTH 

Whut good be they to a body? 

FILCH 

What good, ye ask? Why, just as Cupid tickled the 
chin of his wench and caused her to snigger, so may ye 
try it on the chin o' your lass and make her to smile 
on you. Na smile, na pay. 

YOUTH 

That do be worth tryin'. Gi' me a mortal fine one. 

FILCH 

Here 'tis — a tawny, oaten straw, Cupid's own. 

[Youth takes it and tickles the chin of a lass. She giggles riot- 
ously. The youth claps his knee with delight and pays Filch. 
Enter Will and Betsy, the latter carrying the Indian boy.] 

BETSY 
[To Will.] 
Mayhap someone here can tell us. 



ACT II S3 

WILL 

[To a by stander,] 
Good morrow, sir. Can you tell us where dwells 
Titania, the Queen? 

BYSTANDER 

Queen o' whut? 

WILL 

The Fairies. 

BYSTANDER 

Na, I ken naught o' the Queen o' the Fairies. 

FILCH 

[Scenting customers,] 

Young sir, I see by your sword and babe you are 
both a man of action and a man of family. 

WILL 

I am neither, wag, as you know. 

FILCH 

You have me hipped. Command me. 

WILL 

We seek a Queen called Titania. Know you where 
she may be found? 

FILCH 

Alack, young sir, your Queen I know not. But have 



54 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

you heard that our good Queen Bess is to witness the 
morris-dancers and the May-pole? 

BETSY 

The Queen, Will? Shall we see the Queen? 

WILL 

Yea, we shall stay. Perchance she may aid us. 

BETSY 

Ho, little lamb ! You shall see our Queen with your 
very own peepers. 

[Filch has removed Will's purse which hung at his side. The 
baby cries and Filch is all genial solicitude. He shakes a 
dried gourd enticingly,] 

FILCH 

Lookee, you lusty recklin. Listen to the music. 
[The cries cease,] He has a marvelous ear for music, 
good sir. You should buy this for him. 

WILL 

Faith, I'll do it. [Misses his pouch] Soul and 
body o' me! My purse has been taken. 

BETSY 

Surely, you mistake. 

WILL 

Certes, 'tis gone. And my new mill-sixpence that 
I did hold for a wishing-piece! 



ACT II 55 

FILCH 

Alackaday! What scape-gallows could ha' done 
this fell thing? 

WILL 

Now I cannot buy the babe his bauble. 

FILCH 

'Tis top-full sorry business. Filch would ever do a 
good turn an he could. Make for me a ballad or 
couplet or what-not, in pajonent for this monstrous 
fine charmer, and you shall keep it for your bronzy 
brat. 

WILL 

Agreed, Master Pedlar. I'll whip up my muse. 

Filch thou art and Filch thou'lt be, 
Too much Filch by half for me. 
Filch by name and Filch by trade, 
Filch, thy fortune's good as made, 
For thou'lt mount to higher things — 
E'en to Tyburn spread thy wings. 
Whilst in comfort swinging there 
Thou canst steal a breath of air. 

[There is a round of laughter in which Filch is foremost.] 



FILCH 

Take the gourd, boy. May all my teeth be strung 
on lute strings and hung in the Old Harry's barber 



56 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

shop, if you have not earned it! Marry, what have 
we here? [Stoops.] Your purse! 

[Hands it to Will. 

Lutes and singing are heard, A lad runs in breathlessly from the 

right,] 

LAD 

Make way! Make way! Our Queen be a-cominM 
Our Queen be a-comin' ! 

[A wave of eagerness stirs the crowds and it falls back, though in- 
clining expectantly toward the approaching company. The 
strumming and singing have grown louder and the Min- 
strels stroll in, followed by Queen Elizabeth {whose 
costume is topped by a crown) y a Lady-in-waiting, and 
Sir Thomas Lucy.] 

THE minstrels 

[Singing,] 

Who would not sing on May-day, 

On May-day, 

On May-day, 
Who would not sing on May-day 
When Springtime is awake ! 
The mary-buds are paying 
Bright gold for their delaying. 
And fairy folk are straying 
From out the wooded brake. 

Who would not dance on May-day, 

On May-day, 

On May-day, 
Who would not dance on May-day 



ACT II 57 

And ring around the pole! 
The hawthorn bush is pinking, 
The lady-smocks are prinking, 
And all this bobolinking 
Makes quiring in my soul. 

THE QUEEN 

[Sinking upon the knoll,] 

Cease your noise, madcaps. You will set me to 
dancing ere I know it. 

FILCH 

Come, lads and lasses ! Swell your girths, and give 
a cheer for our good Queen Bess. 

[They cheer stoutly.] 
THE QUEEN 

My thanks, loyal subjects. The ship of state need 
never be becalmed, if the bellows of England blow so 
gustily. 

LADY-IN-WAITING 

This seems a brave adventure. 

THE QUEEN 

'Tis at least a time-whiler. 

[Filch puts a cap over his doubled fist, which he has dotted with 
two black spots for eyes and, making his fingers move as if 
they were a mouth, speaks in a falsetto.] 



58 • MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

riLCH 

Come buy of Filch, 

Come buy of Filch, 
Come buy of Filch, the Pedlar. 
He'll sell you aught from brats to brains; 
He'll laugh at you for all your pains; 

He'll drain your cup 

And snap you up 
And prove a merry meddler. 

THE QUEEN 

I wager yon fellow is as full of quips and quillets 
as the sea of brine. Ho, Pedlar! [Filch approaches 
and hows,] For how long has peddHng been your pro- 
fession? 

FILCH 

Beshrew my heart, Majesty, if peddling be my pro- 
fession; 'tis but my recreation. 

THE QUEEN 

Indeed, merry lob ! What call you your profession? 

FILCH 

An it please you, I am a skilled arithmetician; 
quick at subtraction [removing a ribbon from a nearby 
lass\ able in addition [adding the ribbon to his sack], 
keen at multiphcation [taking a purse with one hand 
and a fan from the Lady-in-waiting with the other], 
and celebrated in division. [Aside.] Long division 
i for Filch and short division for t'others. 



ACT II 59 

THE QUEEN 

Arithmetics is a cold business — as hard as iron. 

FILCH 

Or steel! 

THE QUEEN 

You should find a softer one. 

FILCH 

Already have I done so. 

THE QUEEN 

How, fellow? 

FILCH 

I am an artist. I draw from life. 

[Removes a handkerchief from Sir Thomas's sleeve.] 

THE QUEEN 

Mayhap if your artist skill match your wit I shall 
give you a pose. 

FILCH 

Marry, a pose from the Queen would be a poser for 
Filch. Nay, a pose from you is a posy for me; rather, 
a whole nosegay — not that your nose is gay; it puts 
me in mind o' a lily, 'tis so proud and pale. 

THE QUEEN 

Heigh ho, boiled brain! Your nonsense threats my 
poise, but the pose is yours. 



6o MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

FILCH 

God mend me! My pose is but your poise blinded. 

THE QUEEN 

Unriddle your speech. 

FILCH 

What is pose but poise with its eye out? 

THE QUEEN 

Knave, you shall not have my pose in spectacles. 

FILCH 

Your beauteous pose shall be of itself the spectacle. 

THE QUEEN 

Fie upon you! [Sound of bugles] The dancers! 

FILCH 

The dancers! Stand back, you gapes, if you would 
not get your toes cracked. 

[The bugles draw nearer. Enter Friar Tuck with solemn mien, 
bearing a heavy staff. The crowd cheers. He gravely makes 
the circuit of the clearing and drops his staff upon som^ 
obtruding toes. The victim shrieks.] 

FRIAR TUCK 

Think not of self. Count thy beads and repent thee 
of thy folly. [The crowd cheers and laughs. The Friar 
drops his staff on Sir Thomas's feet, which causes him 



ACT II 6i 

to leap in pained surprise] Back ! turn thee back while 
yet there be time. Thy feet, dancing as on a gridiron, 
have strayed from out the straight and narrow path. 
Say a pater-noster and 'ware thee o' purgatory. 

[The crowd roars] 
THE QUEEN 

Already you have a touch of purgatorial fires in 
your toes, eh, Lucy? 

[Friar Tuck stands aside and the bugles again sound. Enter 
Robin Hood and the other morris-dancers, the Hobby 
Horse and the Dragon bringing up the rear. They dance. 

At the conclusion of the dance there is cheering, and the Queen 
sends a purse to Robin Hood. 

Exeunt dancers to the sound of bugle, pipe, and bell. The crowd 
follows with the exception of the Queen, Will, Betsy, the 
Indian boy, Sir Thomas, the Lady-in-waiting, Filch, 
and the Minstrels. Will and Betsy await an oppor- 
tunity to approach the Queen. Filch retires up stage to 
count his money and look over his wares] 

THE QUEEN 

I have been vastly diverted. [To Sir Thomas.] 
Sir Long Face, why do you not seek to amuse me? 

sir THOMAS 

I, your Majesty? 

THE QUEEN 

Yea, you, my majesty! Your visage hath been 
washed in vinegar. 



62 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

SIR THOMAS 

You misjudge me. I can be as rompish as a babe. 
[Looks around,] Ho, Pedlar! 

FILCH 

O Sir, most worthy Sir, here am I, Sir! 

SIR THOMAS 

Give me your drollest mask. 

FILCH 

[Rummaging in his sack and bringing forth an ass^s head.] 

This it is, your worthiness. [Aside,] 'Tis his twin 
brother. 

[Sir Thomas claps on the head, tossing Filch a coin which he 
catches, bites, spits upon, rubs, and thrusts into his money 
hag. Sir Thomas makes his courtliest bow to the Queen.] 

SIR THOMAS 

Speak, I bray you; I have ears for your slightest 
word. 

THE QUEEN 

You graven image ! Now are you in truth in royal 
favor. Verily, two heads are better than one, though 
one is — Sir Thomas's! 

[Will and Betsy, with the baby, come forward,] 
WILL 

An it please you, gracious Queen, — 



ACT II 63 

LADY-IN-WAITING 

Stand you back, chuff. Would you address her 
Majesty without permission? 

THE QUEEN 

I am inclined to yeaward. Bid them approach. 
Why, Sir Thomas ! May I take eggs for money if this 
lad be not your youthful poacher. 

WILL 

But I did not poach, your Majesty. 

THE QUEEN 

What matters it, so long as you were forgiven? 

WILL 

It matters much to me. 

THE QUEEN 

Marry, the March-chick hath an ostrich conscience. 
How you did manage to hatch that giant bird out of 
your tiny shell, I wot not. Beware lest it swallow you 
whole. 

WILL 

Laugh, an you will, at my expense. I can afford to 
pay. 

THE QUEEN 

Would that you were my treasurer. Now, chick, 
what wish you of your Queen? 



64 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 



WILL 



May it please your Majesty to help us restore this 
babe to his foster-mother. 

[Betsy, with a curtsy, holds forth the haby,] 



THE QUEEN 

His foster-mother? Who is she? 

WILL 

A Queen. 

THE QUEEN 

A Queen, say ye? 

WILL 

A most beauteous Queen. 

THE QUEEN 
[Eer glance cooling,] 
Indeed! She must be fair. 

WILL 

'Tis said she hath the radiancy o' dawn and the grace 
o' twilight. 

THE QUEEN 

Who is your paragon, — ^Venus? 

WILL 

She is called Titania and is Queen of all the Fairies. 



ACT II 65 

THE QUEEN 

We know naught of your Titania. [To Sir Thomas.] 
What think you, Lucy, — this lad hath stolen from your 
park; why not from the cradle? 

SIR THOMAS 

'Tis most likely, I should say. 

THE QUEEN 

Ass, look not so serious. [To her Lady-in-wait- 
ing.] Doth it not seem probable the boy hath stolen 
the babe? 

lady-in-waiting 

Certes, I vow you are right. Both the wench and 
lad have a guilty look. And yet, they are seeking to 
restore the babe, said they not? 

THE QUEEN 

Ay — they're doubtless tired o' their burden and 
now would rid themselves of it. Ho, Pedlar! — eke 
artist — eke arithmetician. 

FILCH 

Thrice at your service; and I come speedily, for my 
peddling feet hope to run down a sale, my artistical 
feet draw me with ease, and my arithmetical feet 
bear me quickest of all because o' their numbers. 

THE QUEEN 

Then bid your three-fold feet bear you featlier than 
ever. I would have them fetch a constable. 



66 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

FILCH 

Feet, do hear your Queen and Master? Majesty, 
they say every toe has a quadruple joint and that in 
each heel have the wings of Mercury feathered. 

THE QUEEN 

Away, Chatterbox! Your tongue has more joints 
than all your toes together. [Exit Filch on a run. 
Will and Betsy move away.] Stop, boy. A constable 
will take you and your babe in charge until your 
beauteous Titania has been found. 

[Sir Thomas vainly endeavors to remove his mask-head.] 
SIR THOMAS 

Will someone give me aid? I tire o' this folly. 

[The Minstrels go to his assistance, but the head will not com£ off. 
Will and Betsy have moved near Sir Thomas. Enter 
Filch and the Constable.] 

FILCH 

Here comes the law's staunch pillar. Majesty. 

[The Constable hows and scrapes, and scrapes and hows, pulling 
his forelock industriously.] 

THE QUEEN 

Do not uproot your forelock. Master Constable, 
else what would be left with which to salute your 
Queen? 

[The Constable is stupefied with confusion.] 



ACT II 67 

FILCH 

[To Constable in whisper.] 
You still could scratch your head. 

CONSTABLE 
[Brightening^ and re-commencing his hows and scrapes.] 
Ah-yea, Queen, I cud scrattle m' yed. 

THE QUEEN 

Stand on your yed, mon, an it please you — ^but, 
marry, come up ! what means this tangle? 

[Sir Thomas has been trying with mounting energy to remove the 
mask, and the Minstrels are tugging with might and main.] 

SIR THOMAS 

Help! Deuce take the thing! 

THE QUEEN 

Lucy, I am your debtor. Never saw I more pleasing 
sight for laughter. 

SIR THOMAS 

Get me out o' this. 

THE QUEEN 

May I be carbonadoed if 'tis not a waggish specta- 
cle. Will 't not come off? 

[Filch takes the baby from the arms of Betsy, who is absorbed in 
the struggle, and drops him into the sack.] 



68 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

ONE OF THE MINSTRELS 

'Tis held by a thousand furies. 

ANOTHER MINSTREL 

'Twill not budge. 

SIR THOMAS 

I am dying of shame. Let me escape the sight of 
men. 

[He runs off.] 

THE QUEEN 

Pshaw! the diverting play is over. 

FILCH 

It speaks well for the lasting quality o' my wares. 

THE QUEEN 

Hither, fellow! You went on our mission so featly 
we would give you our purse for your pains and enter- 
tainment. 

FILCH 

Not your purse, Majesty, most sweet, sweet 
Majesty. I cannot take your purse. 

THE QUEEN 

Then name your own reward. 

FILCH 

I will take but one golden crown. And I will not 



ACT II 69 

spend it. I will keep it to bear you in mind. One 
golden crown. 

THE QUEEN 

Take it, fellow, and welcome. 

FILCH 

[Pointing forwards. A II looking expectantly.] 

See yonder! 

[He removes the crown from the Queen's head and drops it into his 

sack,] 

THE QUEEN 

What mean you? 

FILCH 

Your pardon, Majesty, most, most sweet Majesty, 
but mine eyes, I fear, did play me tricks. Methought a 
sparrow was robbing a hawk's nest. 

THE QUEEN 

Let us to business. Master Constable, take into 
custody this babe and the lad and lass who stole it. 

BETSY 
[Running forward^ her arms outstretched.] 
Gone! the babe is gone! 

WILL 

The bronze nestling out of its cage! But it could 
not fly far. 

[Filch slips of, right.] 



70 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

THE QUEEN 

Impossible! Does neither of you know what has 
happed to the poor babe? Have you not hidden him? 

WILL 

Have search made, if you think it likely — in the 
crotch of yon tree — in a last year's acorn cup — in a 
mary-bud's pocket o' gold. There are a score o' places 
in which babes may be tucked away — out of sight o' 
the bhnd. 

THE QUEEN 

You prate saucily. Constable, let these children 
see the Kning of the Town Cage till they confess their 
misdeeds. [The Constable scratches his head.] Ay, 
scrattle your yed, mon. All your wits are on the 
outside of it. 

[Raises hands to her head. Gives a cry and leaps to her feet.] 
LADY-IN-WAITING 

Sweet Queen, what ails you? 



My crown! 
Your crown! 
Gone! 

LADY-IN-WAITING 

Who could have taken it? 



THE QUEEN 

ALL 
THE QUEEN 



ACT II yi 

CONSTABLE 

The gentleman Ass. 

THE QUEEN 

Body o' me, nay. Sir Thomas hath not the imagina- 
tion. 

WILL 
[Banging his fist smartly on his hand,] 
The Pedlar! Filch! 

THE QUEEN 

Boy, you have said. He hath the wit and methinks 
he hath the roguery. 

WILL 

He went southward but a moment since. 

THE QUEEN 

Enough. My crown! 

WILL and BETSY 

The babe! 

[The Minstrels, followed by Will, Betsy, the Constable, the 
Lady-in-waiting and the Queen rush of stage shouting 
variously, ^^The crown! ^^ ^^The babel^^] 



ACT III 

Scene: The Forest of Arden in the moonlight. 
Sir Thomas is in the center of the clearing making 
fantastic and despairing efforts to remove the ass- 
head. 
Fairy bells tinkle. Enter Titania and her train. Seeing 
Sir Thomas they burst into peals of mirth. 

FAIRIES 

Ring a ring a rosie, 
What a funny nosey! 
Here's a merry mortal 
On our forest portal. 
He's so big and eary 
He shall be our deary. 
Perfect time he keepeth 
As his body leapeth. 
How his feet are prancing, 
Tuned to joyous dancing! 
Bear him, gentle grasses — 
He's the King of Asses. 

[They circle round him in a dance.] 
TITANIA 

Oh, you roguish fellow! I do love you for your 
drolleries. 

[She sways in a gust of laughter.] 
72 



ACT III 73 

SIR THOMAS 

You mock me cruelly. I would lose this head. 

CADENCE 

He wishes to lose his head. 

CHALICE 

Verily, he is the merriest ass mine eyes have looked 
upon. 

SIR THOMAS 

Give me air! give me air! 

DULCET 

If 'tis an heir you are seeking, pray take me. I am 
as poor as a cathedral mousie. 

MELODY 

Ah, Dulcet, think you twice. What if you should 
inherit those generous ears? 

DULCET 

I could drink in sweet sounds by the hogshead. 

CADENCE 

Or that prodigal nosey? 

DULCET 

I could follow it and never get lost. 

SIR THOMAS 

Give me air! give me air! 



74 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

TITANIA 

'Tis not an heir he wishes — 'tis atmosphere in mo- 
tion. 

[They wave their tiny fans about him in playful solicitude.] 
SIR THOMAS 

Cease your fooleries! Have you no hearts? 

TITANIA 
[Importantly,] 
Yea, I am growing one, — a veritable mother-heart. 
[The Fairies hang their heads.] 

SIR THOMAS 

Then by that heart, I conjure you to hear me. I am 
full of misery because this ass-head hath been clapped 
upon my shoulders and cHngs thereto Hke a million 
leeches. 

TITANIA 

thou poor dear! Come thou here and be com- 
forted. Cadence! Dulcet! Chalice! Melody! Stand 
you back. You have no hearts and cannot know how 
this afficted gentleman doth suffer. [The Fairies 
sulk in the background, Titania leads Sir Thomas 
to the knoll and seating him^ caresses his head tenderly?] 
Thou poor Ass! Titania's heart waxeth fuller and 
stronger with each glance at thee. [Sir Thomas gives a 
huge sigh.] Here! put thy head upon my shoulder. 
Now art thou a peaceful Ass. 

[Tinkle of bells. Enter Oberon, Robin, and the Pucks. At the 
sight of Titania and Sir Thomas, Oberon pauses, dumb 
with ragej hand on sword-hilt,] 



ACT III 75 

SIR THOMAS 

Is not my head heavy for your delicate shoulders? 

TITANIA 

Nay, most gentle and sympathetic Ass, not heavy — 
but thy poor ears are over-large and hairy. [She gives 
her head a slight shake and blows a trifle of air through 
her lips. Another sigh escapes Sir Thomas.] Yet are 
they shapely ears, monstrous shapely ears, and soft, oh 
soft, as the Humble Bee's waistcoat. 

OBERON 

Leave that odious monster! 

[TiTANiA leaps to her feet] 

TITANIA 

Oberon! 

ROBIN 
[Hopping about gleefully.] 
A brawl! a brawl! I do love a brawl! 

TITANIA 

[To Robin.] 
You bedlam ! [Robin and the Pucks laugh and play 
leap-frog] Come, Fairies, our feet shall not tread the 
same grasses as Oberon. 

OBERON 

Titania, — 

TITANIA 

Come, Fairies, come. 

[Exeunt Titanla and the Fairies.] 



76 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

OBERON 
[Pointing to Sir Thomas.] 
See the silly monster! 

ROBIN 

'Tis a dignified, solemn Ass. Mayhap he will smile 
for us. 

[Tickles him with a twig,] 

SIR THOMAS 

Cease your torments. 

OBERON 

How chances it you are in the soft graces of our 
Queen? 

SIR THOMAS 

She but strove to comfort me. 

OBERON 

You know otherwise, you doleful donkey. 

ROBIN 

Methinks he is a l3n[ng Ass. 

PUCKS 

A lying Ass! 

SIR THOMAS 

Mock me no further. Take this effigy from my 
shoulders and by my goodly acres I will serve you to 



ACT III 77 

the top of your bent. I did but put it on to make 
sport for Queen Bess, and dearly have I rued it. 

OBERON 

Think you he speaks true? 

ROBIN 

He hath the earmarks o' something upon him. 

COWSLIP 

An they be the earmarks o' truth, then doth he 
speak a large, buxom truth. 

ROBIN 

He seemeth more goose than ass. 

SIR THOMAS 

But take ofJ this hairy helmet and you may call me 
what you will. 

OBERON 

I have a fancy to believe you. You are so vile to 
look upon, our Queen could not have been moved by 
aught but disgust or pity. Are you ready to hearken 
to terms? 

SIR THOMAS 

Yea, right ready. 

OBERON 

A little Indian boy with a skin like bronze has 
been stolen. 



78 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

ROBIN 
By a lad and lass named Will and Betsy. 

SIR THOMAS 

I know the lad. He has poached at Charlecote. 

OBERON 

I am fain to have the babe. Keep wide open your 
eyes and patrol a part of the Forest this night. If you 
espy him, seize him. Should you find the wench 
and colt, take them prisoner and hold them till I come. 

SIR THOMAS 

It shall be done, my word on 't. 

OBERON 

Then, by the moontide flowing down, 
Rid thy noddle of its crown. 

[Oberon touches the mask with his sword and Sir Thomas lifts 
it of. He gives his head a huge shake and takes a deep breath 
of fresh air.] 

SIR THOMAS 

I lose my head that I may find it. 

OBERON 

Fare you well. Remember! 

[They salute with their swords, then sheathe them. 

Exeunt Oberon and Pucks, left. Sir Thomas takes another 

deep breath, feels his neck with pleasure, and drawing his 

sword, goes of, right. 



ACT III 79 

Enter Filch, rear. He looks about him, puts his tray near the 
knoll and dropping beside it takes the Indian boy from his 
sack and cossets him.] 

FILCH 

There, little recklin, no bigger than a fairy's minute, 
now shall we have a cuddle-time together. Whilst so 
wee, in my sack must you ride, as brave and snug as 
the Lord Mayor o' London Town. When you get 
higher and shed your pinny for strides, you shall jog 
along at my side and wheedle trade for us. I'll 
prank you up in all the bravery o' the shops and 
you'll never have call to blush for the two on us. 
[The baby cries.] Hush, you anointed bad one! Dry 
you up and you shall be fed full o' stuffed chine o' 
pork, with now and then a dash of roasted crabs. 
[Louder cries.] Hushaby, hush! I may have to warm 
your sallow skin wi' the flat o' my hand if you still not 
your squawks. [More cries.] I have it! You need 
to cut your wee bit teeth. Here's the very trick. 
[Takes from his sack the Queen's crown.) There, 
lusty limb! Cut your teeth on that. Never was 
crown put to fairer use. [The cries cease.] I be a 
dabster! I take to nursing as a duckling to the pond. 
Now, my coUop, I must forage for a bite to eat. First 
will I fetch a bowl of clear water that good fairies may 
find you and witches may not come anigh you. [He 
lays the baby in the shelter of the knoll, the crown with 
him.] Hold fast to your bauble. At last do I know 
what crowns be for — toys for babes to teethe on. [He 
takes a small bowl from his tray and goes out, right. 
Returns and places the bowl beside the baby.] There is 
the charm to keep you safe. What, little chuck, asleep 



8o MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

so soon! [Resumes his tray and looks upon the baby 
tenderly.] Sleep you soft till you have rounded out 
your little dreams. 

[Exit Filch, rear, A flash of red smoke, righty and the Witch 
OF Wimble enters] 

WITCH 

This busy finger hath itched to do its work. [Stirs 
with it] 'Tis time I had the brat again. 

[Goes to baby. Seeing the bowl she draws back in af right] 

Water for witch 
Cometh from ditch. 
Water that's pure 
Witch can't endure. 

\With her body drawn away she peers at the bowl] 

Ha! a foul spot. A spinner hath fallen from a twig 
and smirched it. 

[Stoops to take the baby as Will and Betsy enter. She stays 
motionless when she hears their voices] 

BETSY 

This is where Mother Hatfield of Pepper Alley said 
we would find the babe. 

will 

It is well we consulted her wisdom, for the White 
Witch finds lost things as the magnet hfts the needle 
to its bosom. [The Witch stoops swiftly for the baby, 
but before she can reach him, Will runs forward and 
speaks in a ringing tone.] Z!Y!X!W!V!U!T! 



ACT III 8i 

S! R! Q! P! 0! N! M! L! K! J! I! H! G! F! E! D! C! 

B! A! [The Witch cowers and shudders and hacks of 
stage, left.] 'Tis a potent charm for routing witches. 
I vow I say the criss-cross-row better tail up than 
head up. 

BETSY 

My lamb ! My cade lamb ! My fleecy youngling ! 
[Enter Sir Thomas.] 

SIR THOMAS 

Oho, hedgehog! tracked at last. 

WILL 

You are a keen hound to run the hedgehog to cover. 
'Tis hard to tell whether you make better hound or ass. 

SIR THOMAS 

You prate without period or comma, boy, — you are 
wordy as an almanac. 

WILL 

You have not the wit to read me. 

SIR THOMAS 

I Ve wit in plenty to have you flogged black and blue. 

WILL 

Black and blue? I like better my own color scheme, 
for I'll pink you. [Touches him with his sword.] I'll 
pink you till you're red. 



82 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

SIR THOMAS 

Give me the babe. 

WILL 

Marry, not a jot. 

SIR THOMAS 

Then will I cut my way to him. 
[Draws his sword,] 

WILL 

You'll cut it through steel, an you do. 

SIR THOMAS 

Tush ! Your weakling blade is a small bite for mine 
to swallow. 

WILL 

It hath sharp teeth of its own and a stout stomach. 
Have a care. [They cross blades in a spirited contest] 
Speed you up, Slowbones, else will I have lost and 
found you again. 

[They continue fighting,] 
SIR THOMAS 

Dolt! Urchin! 

WILL 

Pikeshead ! 

[Will has pressed Sir Thomas to the edge of the clearing^ and now 
sends his sword spinning from his hand, playing his own 
blade about Sir Thomas.] 



ACT III 83 

SIR THOMAS 

Beware, lad. You might nip me. 

WILL 

Ay, that I might. Mayhap already have I wounded 
your feeKngs. 

SIR THOMAS 

That was monstrous nigh my ear. 

WILL 

Listen to what it would tell you. 

SIR THOMAS 

That time it brushed against my nose. 

WILL 

Sneeze it away. 

SIR THOMAS 

Let me go, lad. 

WILL 

Am I poacher? 

SIR THOMAS 

You poacher? Nay! 

WILL 

Dost swear it? 

SIR THOMAS 

Ay, lad. 

WILL 

Dost swear it by the three luces on thy family crest? 



84 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

SIR THOMAS 

May my luces turn louses if you be poacher. My 
keeper shall be dismissed for nabbing you. 'Twas a 
grievous error. 

WILL 

Nay, keep your keeper, and if you would keep 
whole your own skin, get you gone ! [Exit Sir Thomas 
at a lively pace,] Forsooth, he's a good runner. 

BETSY 

Oh, Will, you are a wondrous fine fighter. My heart 
so plumped against my ribs as I looked on you, I was 
fearful lest it get out of its cage. 

[Voices are heard] 

WILL 
Hide with the babe. 

[They go behind a clump of hushes. Enter Queen Elizabeth, 
her Lady-in-waiting and the Minstrels.] 

THE QUEEN 

I tell you 'tis a bootless search tiU we find that 
rascal. Filch. 

LADY-IN-WAITING 

Methinks Tyburn Tree is lonesome for him. 

THE QUEEN 

Tyburn shall have him. Oh my head! my head! 
What is a Queen's head without its crown? [Enter 
Filch.] There is the mountebank now. 



ACT III 8s 

FILCH 

How may I serve you, Majesty, most sweet, sweet 
Majesty? 

THE QUEEN 

Scape-gallows! where is our royal crown? 

FILCH 

Our crown, Majesty? Is it not on our head? Our 
hair is so golden 'tis brighter than the crown itself. 

THE QUEEN 

Give us the crown. 

FILCH 

D'ye mean, Majesty, there lives so vile a villain 
that he would poach on your beauteous preserves? 
And so excellently preserved, too! 

THE QUEEN 

Return the crown, and Justice shall be cheated of 
its rightful prey. 

FILCH 

I pray, justice or injustice, make me no prey. 
Filch is an honest fellow. May I eat fennel if I have 
the crown upon me. 

[Holds up his hands and turns around.] 
THE QUEEN 

Nay, not upon you! You would see it were well 
hidden. 



86 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

FILCH 

[Pointing to the crown, where it had rolled] 

Here is my crown, Majesty. Wear it till your own 
^ be found. 

[Extends it to her.] 
THE QUEEN 

Your crown, wretch? 'Tis mine! [Seizes it and 
places it upon her head] Now, Elizabeth's herself 
again. 

FILCH 

'Tis a most unholy wrong, Majesty. I but shortly 
refused your purse, asking for no more than one golden 
crown. May the artist in me be naught but thief 
an you did not say, ^^ Take it, fellow, and welcome." 

THE QUEEN 

You mean — Oh, rogue, you'll be the death o' me! 
So much of sauce have you added to my day, beshrew 
me if I do not reward your diverting villainies. Accept 
our purse. 

FILCH 

[Weighing it in his hands] 

Another purse! A fat purse! A purse with a paunch 1 
I fear me I shall grow purse-proud in time. When it 
comes to women, Filch Hkes 'em thin — [bows to Queen] 
ay, thin almost to angles, for what are angles but 
angels with their I's mixed— but when it comes to 
purses Filch'U angle for those himself, and the fatter 
the better. 



ACT III 87 

THE QUEEN 

A dance in the moonlight to still my pulsing feet! 
Then will Elizabeth forsake the sweets o' the forest 
for the sours o' the town. 

[The Queen, her Lady-in-waiting and the four Minstrels 
dance a gavotte. Filch has removed his tray, placing it 
beyond the knoll out of sight , and has thrown himself on the 
ground. He watches them as he chews a twig. Exeunt the 
Queen and the other dancers. Filch looks about in frantic 
haste. Bells tinkle. Enter Oberon, Robin, and the Pucks. 

OBERON 
What seek you with such warmth, mortal? 

filch 

O, dear Master Fairy! I am in sore trouble. I 
seek a babe. 

OBERON 

What manner of babe? 

filch 

A wee babe, a most enchanting babe, with skin as 
bronzy as an apple's russet coat. 

OBERON 

Rascal, you stole him! 'Tis the one I seek. 

filch 
Nay, good Sir, you mistake. I am an honest — 



88 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

OBERON 

Rogue. An honest rogue is honest only when he 
fulfils his rogueries. 

FILCH 

Marry, rogue I may be, with itching palm and 
prigging finger, yet who but I can take crowns from 
queens' heads, babes from mothers' arms, shoes from 
the very feet? 

OBERON 

Your steps have led you within the fairy-ring. 
[Takes off his plumed cap and sweeps the air with it.] 
Dog of a pedlar, down upon all fours, and from every 
midnight to cock-crow, go thus till you have repented 
of your deeds. 

By the Circle's mystic trend, 
Down upon all fours descend. 

[Filch drops to his hands and feet and harks,] 

You have a strong bark. See that it steer you into 
clearer waters. [Robin consults with Oberon, the 
Pucks gambol, and Filch, drawing near to Oberon, 
takes the Fairy King's cap in his teeth, and unob- 
served, trots up stage and waits,] Ho, lads! Let us 
search to the eastward. 

[Exeunt Oberon, Robin, and the Pucks, right. Will and 
Betsy, with the baby, come out of hiding,] 

BETSY 

Look you about for a morsel of food for this poor 
manling. I vow his very soul is agog with hunger. 



ACT III 89 

WILL 

I'll see what the Forest will yield. If milk but grew 
on bushes! 

[Exit Will, lefL] 

BETSY 

[Laying the baby near the knoll,] 
Rest you, lambkin, till Betsy make herself more 
pleasing to the eye. I am roughed and blown by my 
wanderings. 

[Sits on the knoll, her back to the baby, smoothing her hair and cos- 
tume. 

Filch stealthily runs forward, seizes the baby between his teeth, 
and goes of, back.] 

You are a precious boy. I wish I could ever keep 
you near me. [Turns around; rubs her eyes] Saints 
protect! — where are you? Lambkin! call to your 
Betsy. [Looks on all sides] 'Tis magic! Has the 
Witch come again? Will, Will! where are you? 

[Exit Betsy, left. 
Tinkle of bells. Enter Oberon, Robin, and the Pucks, right] 

OBERON 

There is virtue in this spot tonight. The soil doth 
draw my feet unerringly. 

ROBIN 

It makes me light o' the heels. 

[Stands on his head. Enter left, Titania and her train. She is 
weeping silently] 



90 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

OBERON 

What do I see — Titania in tears? 

TITANIA 

Ah, Oberon, my heart is heavy! 

OBERON 

Heart, say you? 

TITANIA 

I have grown a heart and oh, 'tis a mother-heart. 
Verily, my mother-heart is breaking for a sight of its 
babe. 

OBERON 

By my troth, never till now did I know how fondly 
you have wished for the Indian boy. I thought it but a 
whimsey to cross my desire. 

TITANIA 

Nay, I am heartsick. 

FAIRIES 
[Shaking their heads,] 
She is heartsick. 

TITANIA 

And full of longing. 

FAIRIES 

Full of longing. 



ACT III 91 

TITANIA 



Help me, Oberon. 



FAIRIES 

Yea, help her, Oberon. 

OBERON 

By the pipe of Dawn and the call of Dusk, you shall 
have the babe. Is it not so, lads? 

ROBIN and PUCKS 
Ay, ay, sir! 

OBERON 

We shall seek the babe. 

ROBIN and PUCKS 
And find him! 

OBERON 

My sweet Queen, he shall be your own, no one's but 
yours. 

TITANIA 

Nay, my good lord, he shall be both yours and mine. 
[A puff of smoke and the Witch enters.] 

WITCH 

A pretty picture ! a touching picture ! The Witch of 
Wimble is warmed to her marrow by scenes of loving 
reunion. 

OBERON 

What would you of us, beldam? 



92 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

WITCH 

I thought you might like to know where to seek the 
bronze babe. 

TITANIA 

My heart misdoubts me. Trust her not, Oberon. 

ROBIN 

A pippin to a farthing the old dame hath flap- 
dragoned the babe. 

WITCH 

Hush, jackanapes! 

ROBIN and PUCKS 

[Circling round the Witch.] 

Flap-dragoned the babe! flap-dragoned the babe! 

OBERON 

Cease your carousal. Why say you the Witch hath 
done aught to the child? 

ROBIN 

She may not have gulped him down whole, but I'll 
wager my white leather jerkin she hath guilty knowl- 
edge of him. 

WITCH 

The gobUn spins tales out o' his impish fancies. 

OBERON 

Why speak you thus, Robin? 



ACT III 93 

ROBIN 

She stole the babe from our Queen to give to me. 
Now I vow she steals him for her own uses. Think 
you she comes here for good? 

TITANIA 

Give me my babe! 

[The Pucks and Fairies threateningly surround the Witch, 
Oberon drawing his sword. Filch trots in, rear, unob- 
served, stops up stage and watches the scene,] 

WITCH 

Let me go and I will tell you who has the babe. 

OBERON 
[Lifting his sword.] 
Hark you, Fairies. 

WITCH 

I have not the babe but I know who has. 

ALL 

Who? 

witch 

A graceless, interfering dullard, called Will. [Filch 
silently shows amusement] He and the wench, Betsy, 
had him within the hour. 

TITANIA 

Trust her not; but a short while since she deceived 



94 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

me. The weather-vane within me points to foul 
weather. 

OBERON 

What assurance give you that you speak in good 
faith? 

WITCH 

By the old, prophetical law, 

By the hell-hound's bloodless paw, 

Tell I true of all I saw. 



OBERON 

On your double oath then, speak. 

WITCH 

Within the hour the babe lay near yonder knoll. I 
sought to recover him for you when the madcap. Will, 
drove me off. The wench was with him. 'Tis all I 
know. 

OBERON 

It is enough. We will have vengeance on them. 

FAIRIES and PUCKS 

Vengeance. 

[Enter Will and Betsy, left. There are cries of^ '^They come!'* 
''The lad!'' ''The wench!'' '^Will!'' "Betsy!"] 

will 

What means your greeting? It hath the warmth of 
a simoon. 



ACT III 95 

TITANIA 

Where is my sweet babe? Why took you my treas- 
ure? 

WILL 

We look for him right ardently ourselves. 

BETSY 

That we may restore him to you. 

WITCH 

A likely tale! 

WILL 
[To TiTANM.] 

We have sought you with our hearts for compass 
and, now we find you, we have not the babe. 

TITANIA 

The weather-vane within me that did point to 
''Foul" for the Witch, doth point to 'Tair" for these 
children. 

WITCH 

Believe them not. I tell you I saw this lad with the 
babe, on this very spot. Ask him if 'tis true. 



Is this true? 


OBERON 


I had him — 


WILL 




WITCH 


Then where is 


he now? 



96 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

BETSY 

He was stolen from yonder knoll where I had placed 
him. 

WILL 

I was in quest of food for him. 

BETSY 

And when I turned to take the babe, he was gone. 

TITANL^. 

I believe in these children. The Witch is at fault. 

OBERON 

They had the babe, and now they know naught of 
him. The children are to blame. 

TITANIA 

Fairies, seize the Witch! 

OBERON 

Pucks, the children! 

[There is a rush for the accused. Filck barks long and loud. All 
pause in amazement,] 

OBERON 
[Drawing his sword,] 
That rascal here again! 

WILL 

Pray spare him, good Oberon. Pity his low estate. 



ACT III 97 

BETSY 

He may give us aid. Poor fellow, perchance to 
your native wit hath been added the dog-gift of run- 
ning creatures to cover. Find the dear babe and if 
you would do him a kindness bring him hither. He 
is in sore need of a mother. 

WILL 

Methinks a hungry spirit peers through the case- 
ment of his eyes. 

[Exit Filch, right.] 
OBERON 

Spiders shall weave thick cords with which to bind 
this lad and lass till truth has been plumbed to its 
sullen deeps. 

TITANIA 

The Witch shall be surrounded by a horde of circling 
bats. Round and round her shall they swirl and hold 
her captive where she stands. 

WITCH 

Think you I fear your legion of flitter-mice? I'll 
nip your charms with my magic. 
Hoot! hoot! thou owl of night. 

[She listens, but the winds do not rush at her bidding,] 

Hoot! hoot! thou owl of night. 

[She listens again. Stamps in a passion of anger.] 

What hath drowned your voice, ye forces of the air? 



98 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

TITANIA 

Thou art in the fairy-ring! 
Nevermore for deed of ill 
Shall the forces work thy will. 

WITCH 

Nine times three and three times nine — 
Demons, come ye forth and whine. 
Quench the moon and stars that shine. 

[She looks expectantly abouty then backs away,] 
TITANIA 

Yea, go; I will not hold you captive. Your poison 
hath been drained. 

[Exit Witch. 
Enter Filch with the baby. He lays him gently at TiTANiA's/ee/.] 

BETSY 
The babe! 

TITANIA 

[Embracing the baby.] 

How he doth fit within mine arms! Now am I 
right glad of a heart. 'Tis a pillow for his head. I 
would thank you, friend, for bringing me my happiness. 

OBERON 

[Touching Filch with his sword,] 

By the grace that fiUeth thee. 
Stand thou upright as the tree. 

[Filch stands.] 



ACT III 99 

TITANIA 

For a tiny soul-space, hold you the babe. 

[She gives him to Filch.] 

FILCH 

First I took him for love o' the game. Next, I took 
him for love o' the boy. But 'tis a mother's arms you 
need, bronzy bird, though you have made a nest of 
Filch's heart. 

[He gives the baby to Titania and lifts his tray from behind the 
knoll, dexterously taking Oberon's sword as he leaves. He 
calls lustily,] 

Come buy of Filch, 
Come buy of Filch, 
Come buy of Filch, the Pedlar. 

[Exit Filch.] 

OBERON 

Our thanks, lad and lass, for your courage. Lass, 
next May-day come you here at dawn, and if you 
drink the drop of dew in the first mary-bud you 
spy, the wish dearest your heart shall come true. 

BETSY 
[Joyously,] 
I know what I shall wish! 

TITANIA 

And, lad, now that I have a heart I can read yours. 



lOO MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

You shall dream and make others dream. On your 
own hearthstone shall you find your fate. 

[Will and Betsy stand aside, Titania with her baby, Oberon, 
afid all the members of their band, slowly sway in the moon- 
light, singing a lullaby,] 

FAIRIES 

Flame of night, thou nightingale, 
Flush with song the forest trail. 
Busy spider, whir thy loom 
To the Hit of cherry bloom., 

East and West, 

Chant thy best, 

Fill with joy 

This, our boy. 

Moon, when thou to cradle shrink, 
Bid the babe serenely sink 
In thy silver deeps to dream 
Thoughts as chaste as candle-gleam. 

Undefiled 

Is our child. 

Tarry near. 

Hold him dear. 

Fairies, swajdng to and fro. 
Teach the babe our spells to know, 
And with torch of daffodil 
Drive away the midnight's chill. 

North and South, 

Kiss his mouth. 

Beam with joy 

On our boy. 

CURTAIN 



EPILOGUE 

Scene : The Kitchen on New Yearns morning. 

Will is fast asleep on the hearthstone. The fire and 

candles have burned out. 
Enter Mistress Shakespeare, who pauses amazed at 

the sight of her hoy. She tries tenderly to rouse him, 

mistress SHAKESPEARE 

Wake you up, laddie. [Will stirs hut does not 
waken] Oh, Will, my precious dreamer, why did you 
not get into your bed? Wake you up ! Wake you up ! 

[He slowly rises,] 

will 
Where am I? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

In your home — where else of an early New Year's 
morning? 

WILL 

'Tis not New Year's — 'tis May-time. I was in the 
Forest. How came I here? I must be dreaming. 

[Ruhs his eyes.] 
MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Dreaming, my dearest? You have been making 
dreams, but now you wake. 



102 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 



My sword! 



WILL 

[Looking at his side.] 



MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 
[Smiling,] 
What of your sword, lad? 

WILL 

It is vanished! 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEA"RE 

I fear you'll have sore search finding it. 

WILL 
[Running to the table.] 
It has changed back to a knife. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

My poor head feels as hollow as a deaf-nut. May- 
hap I'm the one who dreams! 

WILL 

[Looking within the churn] 
How comes it to be empty? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I'll not fill it till time for the churning. 

WILL 

What did you with the butter? 



EPILOGUE 103 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Butter? 

WILL 

'Twill not be fit to use. A babe was in it. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

A babe in the butter? Oh, Will! Will! 

WILL 

[Going to the pot and gazing within.] 

I thought the Wimble Witch might have left a hot 
coal like a devil's eye, burning in the bottom. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

The Wimble Witch!— 'twill not do. You must 
wake up. [Takes him to the window.] Look out and 
see Henley Street of a wintry morning. 

WILL 

[Looking out and turning in bewilderment.] 

Did not the dumb pedlar come to Hfe? Did not 
Betsy turn shepherdess? And Titania get the Indian 
boy? And — oh, Mother! did I not fight a duel with 
Sir Thomas and drive him forth at a merry pace? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Nay, lad, nay! 'Twas but a dream. 

WILL 

I tell you, it was true. 



104 MASTER WILL OF STRATFORD 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Nay, lad. 

[The face of the pedlar y again dumb and stolid ^ peers through the 
window for a few moments, then disappears.] 

WILL 

'Twas truer than this room — than Henley Street 
I just now looked upon. I see it, hear it, yea, believe 
it. They came here — Robin, the Witch, the Httle 
Titania, Filch, — How prove you 'twas a dream? 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I cannot prove it, lad, yet neither can you to me 
give proof. The testimony of all the years shows that 
some things are and other things are not. 

WILL 

Then shall I ever bear in mind my dreams, 

And one day tune men's vision to my key. 

Ah, music in one's dream hath sorcery 

To woo the spirit to its tallest reach. 

And laughter — how it riots to the brim 

And tumbles over in a rainbow spray! 

Each tear becomes a rounded crystal world, 

With pictured pathos in its curved sides. 

In waking do our joyance and our tears 

And fine-wove mesh of music, stir us thus? 

Our very Hves are fabric of our dreams. 

Then who dare say which be the realm of truth — 

Our dreaming or our waking? 



EPILOGUE 105 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

I cannot keep in step with you, my boy, yet do I 
try to follow where you lead. 

WILL 

Titania said I'd find my fate at home, 
Yea, here at home, upon our very hearth! 

[Mistress Shakespeare goes to the fireplace,] 

I almost fear to look; if 'tis not there 
Perchance 'tis true a dream be but a dream. 
She said 'twould be at home — on mine own hearth! 

{Slowly turns. He stoops and gives a cry,] 

Behold 'tis here! my fate! 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

What mean you, lad? 

WILL 
[Holding out a feather,] 
A pheasant quill — the pen with which to write 
The stories in men's eyes, the songs that sing 
For very joy of singing, all the dreams 
That lap me 'round with shining witchery. 

MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE 

Why, laddie, there are teardrops in your eyes! 
Mayhap a spinner, glum and overworked, hath nipped 
your guiltless finger. Let me see. 

WILL 

Ah, Mother, — 'tis not pain that starts my tears — 
CURTAIN 



GLOSSARY 

(W) = Warwickshire dialect. 



Addlepate = one of dull wit. 

Afore = before. 

Ah-yea (W)=yes. 

Alack; alackaday = an exclamation of regret or sorrow. 

An -if. 

Anigh (W) = near. 

Anointed (W) = innocently mischievous. 

Apple-john (W) = a kind of apple that keeps a long 

time but becomes withered. 
Aught = anything. 
Ay = yes. 

B 

Bantling = a young child; an inexperienced youth. 

Baubles = trinkets; gewgaws. 

Bedlam = Bethlehem Hospital, or Bedlam, became an 

asylum for the insane in 1547. 
Bedlam = a madman. 
Beldam = a hag; a witch. 
Belike = probably. 
Bent = inclination. 
Bergamo = a town in the Venetian territory, capital of 

the old province, Bergamasco, whose inhabitants 

used to be ridiculed as clownish. 
107 



io8 GLOSSARY 

Beshrew me 1 .11.^1111 1 

Beshrew my heart J = ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ ' P^^S^^ ^'^ "^^' 

Biggen (W) =a cap; especially a child's cap. 

Bittock (W)= morsel. 

Bits and bobs (W) = odds and ends. 

Boiled brain = a hot-headed fellow. 

Bonnie = comely. 

Bootless = unavailing; useless. 

Brave = fine; a general term of admiration or praise. 

Brawl = a noisy quarrel. 

Brawling = clamorous. 

Bumpkin = an awkward rustic. 

By my troth = by my faith; by my truth. 



Cade (W) = gentle; mild. 

Call (W)= cause; reason. 

Carbonadoed = hacked or slashed, as meat prepared 
for the gridiron. 

Caunt (W) = can not. 

Certes = certainly; of a truth. 

ChangeKng = something substituted for another; com- 
monly used in the sense of one child substituted 
for another. 

Charlecote = home of Sir Thomas Lucy, about four 
miles east of Stratford. 

Chatterpie (W) = chatterbox. 

Chine of pork = the back and loin of pork, commonly 
stuffed and flavored with a few leaves of aro- 
matic bay. Especially served at the yearly 
festival of '^The Mothering." 

'^The lad and lass on Mothering Day, 
Hie home to their Mother so dear; 



GLOSSARY 109 

'Tis a kiss for she and a kiss for they, 
A chine of pork and a sprig of bay, 
A song and dance — but never a tear.'' 

Chuck = a familiar term of endearment. 

Chuff = churl ; boor. 

Collop = part of one's flesh. 

Colt = a frisky youngster. 

Constant (W) = always. 

Cossets = fondles; pets. 

Couldna (W) = could not. 

Criss-cross-row = the alphabet. In horn-books, the 
primers of early days, the letters were arranged 
to form a Latin cross, A at the top, Z at the bot- 
tom. This was succeeded by the line form, 
crosses being placed at the beginning of the Hne; 
in consequence the alphabet was often referred 
to as ^Xhrist-cross-row/' 'Xhriss-cross-row," or 
'' Criss-cross-row." 

Crown = an English coin of the value of five shillings. 
Originally it was of gold, and was first coined in 
the reign of Henry VIII. Since the reign of 
Charles II. it has been minted in silver only. 

D 

Dab (W) = a small portion of anything. 

Dabster (W) = an expert. 

Daniance = idle behavior; dilatoriness. 

Deaf-nut (W) =a hollow nut; a nut without a kernel. 

Didna (W)=did not. 

Dilling = a darhng; a pet, especially a child born to an 

aged father. 
Doant (W)= don't. 



no GLOSSARY 

Doctor's stuff (W) = medicine; a remedy or potion. 

Dollop (W) = a large portion of anything. 

Dolt = blockhead; dunce. 

Donna (W) = do not. 

Doublet = a close-fitting outer body-garment, usually 
with sleeves, and sometimes with short skirts 
and belted at the waist. It came into use toward 
the close of the fifteenth century and was worn 
by men until the middle of the seventeenth 
century. 

Dunch-dumpling (W) = a pudding made of flour and 
water and eaten with salt. 

Dullard = a stupid person; dolt. 

Den = even; evening. 

E 

Eggs for money, (to take) = to be put off with some- 
thing worthless. 
Eke = Ukewise; also. 



Fain = earnestly desire. 

Fell = melancholy. 

Fennel = an ^'inflammatory herb;" it is aromatic and 
called by the old writers, ^'hot in the third de- 
gree." 

Fie = shame upon you. 

Flap-dragon = to seize and swallow, as in the game of 
flap-dragon (a game in which raisins and other 
edibles are snatched by the players out of burning 
spirits and swallowed.) 

Flitter-mice = an old name for bats. 



GLOSSARY III 

Forest of Arden = a forest lying to the west and north 
of Stratford. Villages and farmsteads were in 
clearings, and the Forest included a vast acreage. 

Forewearied (W) = exhausted. 

Forsooth = in truth; certainly. 

G 

Gapes = persons staring with open mouths. 
Gewgaws = gaudy trifles; baubles; trinkets. 
Giddy-pate = a scatter-brain. 
God buy ye = God be with you (now contracted to 

^^ good-bye"). 
Golden Lion = a tavern in Stratford. 
Good den = good even; good evening. 
Good e'en = good even; good evening. 
Guffaws = shouts of boisterous laughter. 

H 

Hap = happen. 

Happed = happened. 

Hedgehog (W) = a term of reproach, commonly 

applied to boys. 
Henchman = a male attendant. 
Hipped = derived from ^'on the hip/' a term used in 

wrestling. 

I 

I' faith = in faith. 

Inchling (newly coined) = one who is very diminutive. 

Isna (W) = is not. 

J 

Jason = leader of the Argonauts. He won the sacred 
golden fleece by slaying the sleepless dragon that 
guarded it. 



112 GLOSSARY 

Jog = a slow trot. 

Jog = nudge. 

Jerkin = a jacket, short coat, or upper doublet. 

Joyance = joy. 

K 

Ken = know. 



Lady-smocks = cuckoo-flowers. 

Lated (W)= belated. 

Leather-coats (W) = russet apples. 

Lob = a lout; a country bumpkin. 

Loggerheads (at loggerheads) = to be engaged in a 
dispute or quarrel. 

Longful (W) = anxious. 

Luces = pike. Sir Thomas Lucy's coat-of-arms bore 
three silver luces, or pike. In ^' Merry Wives" the 
dozen white luces on the coat-of-arms of Justice 
Shallow become in the mouth of Sir Hugh Evans, 
a Welchman, '^a dozen white louses." 

Lucy (Sir Thomas) = a Warwickshire squire, supposed 
to have prosecuted Shakespeare sternly when the 
latter was about twenty-one, for deer-raiding in 
his park. 

Luddington = a hamlet about three miles south-west 
of Stratford. 

Lusty limb = a robust, roguish youngster. 



M 

Madcaps = those who are rash or giddy. 
Manikin = a Httle man; a pygmy. 



GLOSSARY 113 

March-chick = a precocious youth. 

Marry = an exclamation of surprise. 

Marry come up = hoity-toity. 

Mary-bud = the bud of a marigold. 

Maut (W) = might (imp. of may). 

Mayhap = perhaps. 

Mekin' (W)= making. 

Merrybone = marrow bone. 

Meser (W)= myself. 

Mewnng = the crying of an infant; squalling. 

Mill-sixpence = EngKsh coin struck during a period of 

fifteen years from i56itoi575, in comparatively 

small numbers. 
Monstrous = very; exceedingly. 
Morris-dance = name given to dances on May-day, 

etc. , in which various personages were represented. 

(See descriptive note, post.) 
Mortal (W) = extremely; extensively used by the 

rustic to indicate the extreme in anything. 
Mountebank = a charlatan; a boastful pretender. 
Mun (W)=must. 

N 
Na (W)=not. 

Na (W) =not, used as a suffix, as in hadna (had not). 
Nabbing = catching, or seizing suddenly. 
Noddle = contemptuous term for head. 



0' = of. 

On = of. 

Oot (W)= would you? 



114 GLOSS ARF 



Pater-noster = the Lord's prayer. 

Perforce = necessarily. 

Pickthanks (W)=a captious person; a faultfinder. 

Pikelet (W)=cake; a small cake. 

Pikeshead=Sir Thomas Lucj'^s coat-of-arms bore 

three silver luces, or pike; hence the q)ithet, 

pikeshead. 
Pilfer = filch; steal. 
Pinny (W) = pinafore; apron. 
Pother = turmoil ; uproar. 
Prank =deck gaudily. 
Prate = talk vainly and foolishly; boast idly. 
Prigging = thieving. 
Prithee = I pray thee. 
Purse-proud = puffed up by the possession of riches. 

Q 

Quillets = clever or wittj^ turns or conceits. 
Quips = verbal niceties; subtie distinctions. 
Quiring = choiring; singing. 

R 

Recklin fW'^ =a child: a small child. 
Ring a ring a rosie = a very old round. 



Sanctus = a street in the western part of Stratford. 
Scape-gallows = one who has escaped hanging, though 

deserving it- 
ScraQy (W)= attenuated; thin. 
Scrattle (W)=scratch. 



GLOSSARY 115 

Scrumps = a small, sweet variety of apple. 

Set my ten commandments in his face = an old War- 
wickshire expression, meaning to scratch the face 
of another with all one's fingers. 

Shilling = a silver coin originally issued by Henry VII. 
In 1560 it was one-sixtieth of a troy pound of 
silver. 

Shive o' summat (W) = slice of something. 

Shoodna (W) = should not. 

Simoon (also, simoom) = a hot, dry wind of the desert. 

Sin' (W) = since. 

Slacken- twist (W) = a dawdler. 

Slop (W) = a coat, short coat. 

Sly-boots = a roguish, cunning, sly person. 

Smudge (W) = kiss. 

Sourings (W)= winter apples. 

Spot (W) = a morsel. A spot is a lesser portion than a 
skurrock, and a skurrock smaller than a bittock, 
in Warwickshire dialect. 

Spanking = swift, dashing. 

Spinner = spider. 

Strides (W) = trousers. 

Stagger-bob (W) = caK. 



Threefold Diana = the goddess presided in three 
capacities, as Cynthia or Luna in heaven, Diana 
on earth, and Hecate in hell. 

Tidbit = a dainty. 

Tiddington Road = a road leading from Stratford, 
south of the Avon to Charlecote. 

Tittle = the minutest quantity; a jot; an iota. 

Top-full = brimming. 



ii6 GLOSSARY 

Tot (W) =a mug (especially a small mug). 

T'others = contraction of the others. 

Town Cage = the Stratford prison. 

Trunks (or trunk hose) = a kind of full breeches ex- 
tending from the waist to the middle of the thigh, 
worn in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. 

Tyburn = the site of the Middlesex gallows. The 
gallows was called Tyburn Tree. Tyburn was a 
place of execution as early as the end of the 
twelfth century, and so continued until 1783. 

U 

'Ud (W)= would. 

Upshot = the final outcome or result. 

Urchin (W) = a term of reproach for a boy. 

W 

Wag==a droll fellow who says witty or humorous 
things. 

Waggish = droll. 

War (W)=was. 

Wassail (Old English, Waes-hal, meaning, be well) = 
a spiced drink, commonly used on occasions of 
festivity or hilarity. What was popularly known 
as wassaiKng was the custom of trimming with 
ribbons and sprigs of rosemary a bowl which was 
carried around the streets by young girls singing 
carols at Christmas and New Year's. This 
ancient custom still survives in various parts of 
England. 

Wench = a girl; a young woman. 

Whut (W)=what. 

Wight = elf; hobgoblin. 



GLOSSARY 117 

Wot (third person, sing, of wit) = knows. 
Wotna (W) = would not. 

Y 

Yea = yes. 

Yed (W)=head. (M'yed = my head.) 

Yent (W)=is not. 

Yond (W and all Enghsh dialects) = yonder. 

YoungHng = a youngster. 



NOTES 

Titania^ Oheron and Robin Goodfellow were re-created in 
A Midsummer NigMs Dream. 

^^Titania^^ (taken from Ovid, Metamorphoses iv., 346, or 
{id,) iii., 173, where the name is appHed to Diana), evidences 
the beHef current at the time that the fairies were identical 
with the classical nymphs, and that Diana was their queen. 
Titania's more popular title was Queen Mab, (Vide CoUancz' 
Preface to the play in the Temple Edition; Herford's Preface 
in the Eversley Edition.) 

^^Oberon^^ may be traced to the dwarf of that name in the 
Charlemagne romance, Huon of Bordeaux^ translated from the 
French by Lord Berners about 1534 to 1540. 

^^ Robin Goodfellow^ ^ is an English name for the mischief 
loving "Puck;" the latter probably of Celtic origin, but found 
in English prior to the Conquest, and early in Scandinavian 
and other dialects. The German equivalent of "Robin Good- 
fellow'' is "Knecht Ruprecht.'' {Vide CoUancz, supra.) 

The little Indian boy is the cause of dispute between Titania 
and Oberon in the Shakespeare play. 

Prologue 

Page 8. My heart is built in the shape of a W: During the 
reign of Elizabeth, out of compliment to the Queen, many 
houses, including Charlecote, were built in the shape of an E. 
The plan derives its name from three projecting entrances in 
the fagade, each provided with a porch. These gave the ground 
plan the shape of an E, with stubby arms. 

Page 9. There's fell need for the perfumer: In Elizabethan 
times rushes were strewn upon the floors. When it was nec- 
essary to re-rush a room, fresh ones were deposited upon the 
old. "And a room was not always purged of its rushes 

119 



I20 NOTES 

more than once a year. The result was filth, more or less ab- 
sent to the eye, but present to the nose. The latter condition 
gave rise to a whole profession, as necessary and as distinctive 
as that of the chimney sweep; namely, the perfumer. It was 
his business to come, when a room had grown too foul to Hve 
in, in order to remove the stench by burning juniper wood and 
other sweet smelling herbs. Vermin flourished under such 
conditions, and many are the allusions that could be cited re- 
ferring even to royal visits, from which persons returned bitten 
from head to foot." (From Henry Thew Stephenson's The 
Elizabethan People,) 

Page 13. / relished the sight of our Queen at Kenilworth last 
July: At Kenilworth Castle, which is about fifteen miles from 
Stratford, the Earl of Leicester, in July of 1575, entertained 
Queen Elizabeth and devised pageantry and splendid cere- 
monies in her honor. Scott has recorded its brilliancies in his 
novel, Kenilworth. 

Page 23. Sir Thomas Hunt is thought to have been Shake- 
speare's master at Grammar School from 1572 to 1577, and, if 
so, he doubtless contributed greatly to the development of the 
poet's mind. He was a man of erudition. His title was given 
him in accordance with the custom of the times to bestow titles 
upon schoolmasters of note. 

Page 24. In 1575, Richard, Anna, Joan and Gilbert Shake- 
speare were one, four, six and nine years of age, respectively. 

Page 25. Witches and their tailless kind: Tradition held that 
witches, though able at will to assume the form of any animal, 
had to dispense with the tail. The lack of it was frequently 
the cause of detection of witches in their disguised forms. 

Act I 

Page 41. My bonnie beard: The beard was a well known 
characteristic of witches. 

Act II 

Page 51. May-day dew was used as a beautifier of the com- 
plexion. The young people went a-Maying, rubbing their 



NOTES 121 

cheeks with early dew to secure fresh coloring for the ensuing 
year. Samuel Pepys, in his Diary, says: 

"My wife away to Woolwich in order to a little ayre, and to 
lie there tonight, and so to gather May-dew tomorrow morning, 
which Mrs. Turner hath taught her is the only thing in the 
world to wash her face with." 

Page 55. May all my teeth he strung on lute strings ^ etc.: 
Lutes were the favored instruments to accompany singing. 
Every barber shop had lutes and zitterns for the entertainment 
of those patrons who were obliged to wait. Barbers of those 
times were usually minor surgeons, their most important and 
frequent operation being the drawing of teeth. They tied 
the extracted teeth on lute strings and displayed them in front 
of their shops as signs. To this day, in a somewhat changed 
form, the custom survives in London. 

THE MORRIS-DANCE 

Page 61. The following description of the old morris-dance is 
paraphrased from that of Strut t, the antiquarian, found in his 
romance, Queenhoo-Hall (vol. I., p. 13, et seq.): 

First enter Friar Tuck (as indicated in the text of this play), 
then enter: 

Six young men, as woodmen, clothed in brown, axes upon 
their shoulders, and garlands of ivy leaves about their heads; 

Six girls, as milk maidens, in blue kirtles, bearing shining 
pails; 

Six foresters J in green, each carrying a bugle-horn which 
he sounds as he enters; 

Robin Hood, in a bright green tunic, gold-fringed, with blue 
and white hose and hood, a bugle-horn, a sword and dagger, 
a bent bow in his hand, arrows at his girdle and a garland of 
rose-buds on his head; 

Little John at Robin Hood's right hand; 

Will Stukely at Robin Hood's left; 

Ten other attendants of Robin Hood, who, together with 
Little John and Will Stukely, are clad in green, with bows in 
their hands and arrows in their girdles; 



122 NOTES 

Two maidens in orange-colored kirtles with white courtpies 
(short vests), strewing flowers; 

Maid Marian in a watchet-colored (hght blue) tunic reaching 
to the ground, over which is a white rochet (a hnen outer gar- 
ment), loose-sleeved, with silver fringes, a cloth of silver girdle 
having a double bow at the left, her fair long hair flowing, 
topped by a net of gold upon which is a garland of silver and 
violets. She is supported by 

Two brides-maidens in hght blue rochets with crimson girdles, 
garlands of blue and white violets upon their heads; 

Four maidens in white costumes, with green courtpies, and 
garlands of violets and cowslips; 

The Fool bearing a pole with an inflated bladder on one end; 

The May-pole borne by eight youths; 

The Hobby-Horse and The Dragon bringing up the rear. 

Attached to the wrists, elbows and ankles of the dancers 
are bells of varying sizes and tones. 

With the appearance of the May-pole the foresters sound 
their horns and the spectators cheer while the pole is being 
elevated. The woodmen and the milk maidens dance around 
it in rustic fashion to the music of pipe and tabour. At the 
conclusion of the dance, the one who undertakes to play the 
Hobby-horse comes forward with his appropriate equipment, 
frisking back and forth, galloping, curvetting, ambling, trotting, 
to the delight of the spectators. He is followed by the Dragon, 
hissing, roaring and shaking his wings with astonishing in- 
genuity. To round out the mirth, the Fool capers here and 
there between the two monsters, now and then slyly casting 
handfuls of m.eal into the faces of the gaping rustics, or rapping 
them upon their heads with the bladder. The Hobby-horse at 
last begins to falter in his paces, and his rider orders the Dragon 
to fall back; the well-nurtured beast, being out of breath, 
readily obeys, which concludes this part of the pastime. 

Concerning the Hobby-horse and the Dragon, Stephenson 
gives Drake as authority for saying that the Hobby-horse 
consists of the head and tafl of a horse made of paste-board 
and attached to a person whose business it is, while seeming to 



NOTES 123 

ride gracefully on the back of the animal, to imitate its curvet- 
tings and prancings, the horse's supposed feet being concealed 
by a footcloth reaching to the ground. The Dragon, constructed 
of the same materials as the horse, is made to hiss and vibrate 
its wings, and is subject to frequent attacks by the man on the 
Hobby-horse, who then personates the character of St. George. 

The dance above outhned is but one of many morris-dances. 
One of the simpler forms may be substituted for that described 
above, or the number of performers may be reduced as cir- 
cumstances require. One of the old morris-dance tunes 
should be used. 

For an extended discussion of the morris-dance see The 
Morris Book by Cecil J. Sharp and Herbert C, Macllwaine, 
Novello & Co., London, 191 2, and the companion work by 
the same authors, entitled, Morris Dance Tunes, 

The Drama League of America has issued a pamphlet on 
old folk dances, including morris-dances, with suggestions as 
to the music. This pamphlet may be secured for ten cents at 
the League's headquarters, Marquette Building, Chicago. 

Act m 

Page 79.-4 howl of clear water: Well-wishing fairies were 
likely to be attracted by a clean room and a bowl of clear water. 

Page 80. The White Witch finds lost things: A White Witch 
was a kind of novice, indulging in insignificant witcheries. 
These witches were regarded as harmless, often living among 
their neighbors in the friendHest relations. "They told for- 
tunes, exercised the arts and practices of palmistry and ele- 
mentary astrology, dealt out simples for a substantial con- 
sideration, cast waters and furnished love potions to distressed 
and disappointed youths and maidens. We learn from The 
Wise Woman of Eogsden a list of the notable White Witches 
then in fashion. . . . Mother Hatfield in Pepper Alley was 
useful in finding lost things, a task in the performance of which 
she was especially famous." (From The Elizabethan People.) 

Page 81. ^Tis a potent charm for routing witches: Witches 



124 NOTES 

were exorcised by charms, frequently made of a senseless suc- 
cession of syllables, or of sentences, said backward. The Lord's 
Prayer, recited thus, was considered peculiarly efficacious. 

Page ^S. Your steps have led you within the fairy-ring: A little 
circle in the grass of a brighter green, within which the fairy 
folk danced by night, was called a fairy-ring. It was held unsafe 
for one, other than a fairy, to venture within, else he would 
be subject to magic spell. 

Page 98. Nine times three and three times nine: Multiples of 
three and nine were particularly affected by witches, both old 
and new. In Fairfaxe's "Tasso" (book xiii., stanza 6), we read: 

"Witchcraft loveth numbers odd." 

In Macbeth, one of the witches says: 

"Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined," 

rather than make use of the even number, four. 



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